Furbearers are mammals that are traditionally hunted and trapped for their fur. Furbearers in Indiana include 14 species, 13 of which may legally be hunted and/or trapped.
Harvest is highly regulated and limited to furbearer populations able to sustain harvest. Because species abundance may vary from state to state, not all furbearers are trapped/hunted in all states. Learn more about regulated harvest of furbearers in Indiana.
Furbearers in Indiana
Current Furbearer Research
- Carnivore Ecosystem Services
Carnivores like coyotes and bobcats can provide benefits, such as reducing mice and voles considered pest species or disease vectors. But they can also cause issues for people by eating things they value, such as livestock or deer. This study in cooperation with Purdue University, Ohio University, and Columbia University is using previously collected scat from Indiana and comparable areas in Ohio to dig into diets using metagenomics of coyotes and bobcats. This information will then be used to understand the services and disservices carnivores like coyotes and bobcats provide to Indiana. Completion is expected in 2026.
- Deer and Furbearer Economics
The mission of the Division of Fish & Wildlife is to balance the benefits of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. To work toward that mission, an understanding of how people value different wildlife and how changes to management strategies might affect those values is needed. This project with Purdue University is looking at a myriad of topics, from wildlife feeding, regulated hunting and trapping, and wildlife viewing, to better understand what influences how someone values deer and furbearers in Indiana. Completion is expected in 2028.
- Estimating Density Using Flights
Research developed techniques to estimate deer density using flights of fixed-wing planes and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Researchers with Purdue University are working to refine those techniques and see if the same methods can be used to estimate the density of wild turkeys and coyotes. Completion is expected in 2028.
- Gray Foxes
Gray foxes are a valuable Indiana furbearer, but Indiana and other Midwest states have seen declines in their population during the last several decades. The first phase of gray fox research that addresses diet, genetics, habitat use, home ranges, mortality, and reproduction is complete. Read a research summary report here. A second phase of research began in 2025 to better understand gray fox health. Researchers will collect data on canine distemper strains, reservoirs for diseases in other carnivore species, coinfections with distemper, and some other contaminants like rodenticides. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2029.
- Multi-State Muskrat Health
Multiple states have joined together with the Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study to try to understand muskrat health on a large scale. Samples are being submitted from dozens of states, including Indiana, to look for contaminants, diseases, and parasites in muskrats. This will give us some baseline information on health to help consider future muskrat research needs. Completion is expected in 2026.
- River Otters
Indiana DNR is supporting study looking at river otter genetic health. Indiana’s reintroduced river otters are currently healthy, but as most of the source population came from one area in Louisiana, long-term genetic health and inbreeding may become a concern. A Smith Fellow researcher with Purdue University will look at Indiana’s river otter genetic health and compare our genetics to other U.S. states and historic genetic samples collected from museums. In addition, the researcher will work on using new techniques to develop a genetic clock for aging a few fish species. Researchers will then conduct captive feeding trials and provide known-age fish to river otters to determine if fish can be aged from otter scats. If all aspects are successful, this project will ensure DNR can maintain healthy river otter populations into the future and help guide future statewide river otter diet studies to understand any impacts on fish communities. Completion is expected in 2027.