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Beavers (Castor canadensis)
are the largest rodent species in North America and weigh 40 to
60 pounds. They are semi-aquatic animals that spend most of their
time in rivers and streams. Beavers are equipped with several
unique features that allow for easy navigation in water. Webbed
hind feet assist in swimming; dense fur acts as insulation in
cold water; ear and nose openings are designed to close when submerged;
and a broad, flat tail functions in swimming, dam building, and
communication.
Beavers are nocturnal social
animals that live in family groups and mate for life. Females
give birth in the spring, usually to three or four kits. Both
parents, as well as year-old siblings, care for the newborns.
At the age of two, offspring leave the family unit in search of
their own breeding territory. The lifespan of a wild beaver is
approximately 10 years.
Beavers create dams to raise
water levels so they can build their homes, or lodges, in the
water. By effectively creating an island with an underwater entrance,
they are protected from many predators. The entrance leads to
dry chambers where beavers sleep, give birth, and store food for
future consumption. These animals may also create burrows in riverbanks.
Beavers eat the leaves, roots,
cambium, and bark of trees such as aspen, willow, and cottonwood.
They also eat clover, apples, corn, grasses, water lilies, and
other aquatic vegetation. A beaver’s teeth will grow throughout
its lifetime; gnawing on trees keeps them from overgrowing.
Beavers have many natural predators,
including: wolves, coyotes, bears, mink, lynx, bobcats, cougars,
raptors (which kill juveniles), and humans. Humans are, in fact,
one of the biggest threats to beavers. Trapping, water pollution,
and habitat loss through drainage of wetlands, are common occurrences
that negatively affect beaver populations.
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Beavers are a keystone
species. This means their presence in nature greatly affects
other wildlife. In fact, the removal of beavers from their
natural setting leads to a decrease in habitat quality. As
a result, fewer wildlife species are able to utilize the area.
- Beavers build dams and create wetlands
upon which many species depend. In fact, almost half of all
endangered and threatened species in North America rely on
wetlands to survive, and eighty five percent of all North
American wild animal species depend on wetlands.
- Beavers help purify and control water
by filtering silt from the water bodies in which they live.
This increases water purity and decreases the need for filtration
systems. Beaver dams can also slow flood waters. Higher water
tables, less erosion, and cleaner water result from beaver
dams. Beavers may also aid in containing forest fires; by
converting streams to larger bodies of water , these can serve
as both a fire line and water supply to fire fighters.
- Beavers can serve as "ecological
indicators." Their presence in an area lets us know the
ecosystem is healthy.
NEXT: Resolving
Beaver Conflicts Humanely
Resolving
Beaver Conflicts Humanely
Citations/Helpful
Beaver Links
Beaver
Project: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Wildlife program may supply funding and/or materials for a beaver water level control device. Please look at the website for information and the application.
News & Updates:
Beaver Dam Flow Device Training Video
Training on Beaver Flow Device
Installation a Success! |
| The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Wildlife program may supply funding and/or materials for a beaver water level control device. Please look at the website for information and the application. |
Flow Device Training
video now available!
|
