American Beaver: here’s the scoop
threats
Following overexploitation for the fur trade, protection and re-introduction programs have re-established the American beaver throughout its historical range. Now abundant, beavers are still hunted and trapped for pelts. Many beavers are killed in areas where tree felling and dam building are in discordance with human development. They are also highly sensitive to tularemia, an infectious disease.
Species
American Beaver
Scientific name
Castor canadensis
Habitat
Areas near lakes, ponds, and streams with access to suitable food and building resources. Beavers are known for their ability to modify an environment through the construction of dams, which often causes flooding of the surrounding areas.
Diet
Herbivorous. Feeding primarily on leaves, woody stems and aquatic plants.
life expectancy
15 – 20 years
Did you know?
Beavers are the largest rodent in North America. Their teeth, which are orange due to their protective coating, grow continuously throughout its lifetime.
Range
Canada, United States and Mexico
The purple on the map represents an area where American beavers live due to being introduced into that region
Conservation status
Least Concern
Widespread and abundant
