Which of the following is NOT a method of managing muskrat populations?

Using repellents is not a method commonly employed for managing muskrat populations. While there are various products marketed as repellents for wildlife, their efficacy can be limited, particularly for species like muskrats that are more likely to be driven by the availability of food and suitable habitat rather than the presence of repellents.

Effective muskrat management primarily focuses on techniques that either directly reduce their numbers or alter their habitat. Trapping is a widely accepted method that allows for direct population control, while blocking burrows and monitoring vegetation can help manage access to their habitats and food sources, thereby reducing their impact in a given area. Monitoring vegetation is essential for assessing habitat conditions that could either attract or deter muskrats, thus informing management decisions.

This highlights how effective management tends to rely on tangible actions that alter population dynamics or habitat conditions rather than relying on behavioral deterrents.