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Beavers

Identification
Biology
Inspection
Control
Pro Tips

Identification

  • Beavers are large, brown animals that may weigh as much as 75 lbs. as adults. They are characterized by their broad, flat, scaly tail, webbed hind feet, and large gnawing teeth.

Biology

  • Breeding period:  January-March
  • Gestation:  128 days
  • Birth period:  April- June
  • Litters per year: 1
  • Litter size:  1-4
  • Feeding period:  Night, pre-sunset through post-dawn
  • Beavers feed on bark and the softer tissue under the bark of trees such as willow, maple, poplar and birch; Also, water vegetation as well as buds and roots.
  • Range

Inspection

  • Talk with customer about the areas they have seen activity such as beavers swimming, damage such as chewed trees or damming of culverts or other flowing water.
  • Inspection should start by walking the water’s edge.
  • Signs of beavers include the presence of dams, plugged culverts, girdled or felled trees on the bank.
  • Other signs my include chewed twigs in the water, feed beds,  bank dens, tracks in the mud, and muddy trails/slides coming in and out of the water.
  Beaver Feed Bed
  Beaver Dam
Beaver Slide
Beaver Tracks

Control

  • Beaver problems are normally solved by means of lethal trapping.
  • There are a variety of lethal traps available for catching beavers including: footholds, conibears and snares. 
  • Most of the time these traps are partially or completely submerged in water.
  • Baits include castor bait or gland lure.
  • Positive set live trapping with a Comstock trap is also an option.
  • Beaver dam removal can be offered after the animal is removed. This is done by removing the existing dam materials and hauling them away.
Foothold Trap Set on Beaver Trail
330 Conibear with H Stand

Pro Tips

  • Unexperienced beaver trappers should contact a supervisor or experienced technician when working on this type of job.
  • It is very important to research state regulations on beaver trapping before starting any job. 
  • Avoid setting traps on the lodge first.  This can educate beavers of the presence of your traps. 
  • Chest/hip waders are necessary for thorough inspection and the setting of traps.