Beaver

Often referred to as “natures architects,” Beavers are skillful in creating their own habitat using materials given to them by nature. Constructing dams, repairing and maintaining these structures require them to be strong and efficient.

Although they are admired for their industrious behavior, they can cause damage to the existing environment; causing flooding that can ultimately destroy up to several thousand acres of trees and in some cases, threaten housing developments.

Identifying a Beaver

Beavers are the largest rodents in North America, weighing in at 35-50lbs each, with some up to 85lbs and a few reaching over 100lbs!  They grow 4 to 5 feet long and have a stocky build.

Beavers thrive in aquatic environments so their bodies are fully adapted for this lifestyle.

The nose and ears of beavers are equipped with valves, which close shut when submerged under water. The broad tail of a beaver functions as a rudder. In addition to these clever features, they are also water proofed by their own fur. The fur is dense, mostly gray in color and naturally oily. The guard fur is long and coarse, yellowish, brown or black in color.

Beavers have large incisor teeth. These teeth constantly grow throughout their life and have an orange protective covering to prevent from breaking.

Damage

Building dams results in flooding of large areas. It has been reported in some states an estimated 3 to 5 millions dollars in loss of crops, timber and roads. These floods can affect residential areas, highways and bridges. 

Habitat

Beavers prefer any environment where year round water is found. They build dams in rivers, streams or anywhere there is a constant flow of water. These dams are useful in slowing down water flow, to produce ponds that create an ideal habitat.

Beavers are highly social and live and work together like humans. Creating their own community with families consisting of a mother, father and their children. Each family builds their own den, where they rest and are sheltered from prey.

A beaver’s diet is simple, consisting of leaves, twigs, bark and different kinds of water vegetation.