Muskrats inhabit South Dakota’s marshes, prairie potholes, slow streams, and vegetated reservoir margins. Look for cattail lodges, feeding platforms, or a compact swimmer leaving a narrow V-shaped wake.
Where to look
Wetland edges around Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and the Missouri River corridor can be productive, as can northeastern refuges and smaller prairie marshes. Sit quietly near emergent vegetation at dawn or dusk.
Muskrats remain active year-round, including beneath ice. April through June leads reports as open water expands.
Full species profile
