What should be done if muskrat populations exceed a controlled level in an aquatic environment?

When muskrat populations exceed a controlled level in an aquatic environment, increasing trapping efforts is the most effective approach. Trapping is a direct and humanely managed method that helps to reduce overpopulation, which can lead to detrimental impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. Muskrats, while beneficial in moderation for their role in the ecosystem, can cause damage to vegetation, water quality, and even the physical structure of shorelines when their numbers are too high.

In the context of managing wildlife, relying solely on natural processes or letting nature take its course might not address the immediate population issues, especially if the population is causing ecological harm. Reducing shoreline vegetation may not effectively control muskrat numbers and could potentially exacerbate their habitat. Constructing additional dams might inadvertently create more habitat for them, further increasing their population. Therefore, increasing trapping efforts is a proactive management tactic that directly addresses the issue by reducing the population to a sustainable level.