Commonly Trapped Furbearers

Missouri is home to a rich variety of furbearing animals that play vital roles in the state’s ecosystems and outdoor traditions. This section highlights the species most commonly encountered by trappers — including beaver, muskrat, mink, badger, raccoon, coyote, fox, bobcat, skunk, otter, and opossum. Each profile explores identification traits, preferred habitats, feeding habits, and seasonal behaviors, along with insights on responsible and ethical trapping practices. Whether you’re a seasoned trapper, a new enthusiast, or simply curious about Missouri’s wildlife, these pages provide valuable information to promote conservation, education, and sustainable management of our furbearer populations.