![]() Their construction of dams along creeks can flood farm fields and woodlands. Often, beavers are triggered to build dams in running water through road culverts causing significant impacts to road drainage, and surrounding flood management. Their activities in our backyard, however, do not always result in positive outcomes. Many scientists have examined the intricate biological and ecological effects beavers have on surrounding landscapes. Outside of any connection to human civilization, their activities tend to increase diversity and habitat options for both plants and animals. Their tree cutting and building behaviors certainly alter surrounding landscapes. Photo by Judy Biss Impactsīeavers are called “nature’s engineers” for good reason. Pear tree felled by beaver in Calhoun County FL. Instead, they are more likely to live in deep dens in stream banks…” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Aquatic Mammals, Beaver: Castor canadensis). Some beavers in Florida do not build the massive stick lodges associated with northern colonies. “ The ponds created by dams also provide beavers with deep water where they can find protection from predators - entrances to dens or lodges are usually underwater. The lodge is separate from the dam and is oftentimes located in the stream or pond bank. The two main structures they build are the water-slowing dam and their living quarters or lodge. The sound of moving water triggers beavers to build, repair, or maintain their dams. Photo by Judy Biss Dam and Lodge Construction Their diet is broad and can consist of aquatic plants, such as cattails and water lilies, shrubs, willow, grasses, acorns, tree sap, and sometimes even cultivated row crops. Beavers eat not only tree bark, leaves, stems, buds, and fruits, but herbaceous plants as well. ![]() They are primarily nocturnal, being active from dusk to dawn. Habitat and Behaviorsīeavers typically mate for life and live in family groups consisting of the adult male and female, and one or two generations of young kits before they are old enough to disperse on their own. Beaver ( Castor canadensis), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Aquatic Mammals, Beaver: Castor canadensis). They can remain underwater for 15 minutes at a time! Their tree-cutting, bark-peeling front teeth grow continuously, and as a result, are continuously sharpened as they grind against the lower teeth. Beavers are considered an aquatic mammal, having adaptations such as a streamlined shape, insulating fur, ears and nostrils that close while underwater, clear membranes that cover their eyes while underwater, large webbed feet, and a broad flat rudder-like tail that aid in swimming. ![]() In Florida, they commonly weigh between 30 – 50 pounds. Adaptations Source: FWC Living with Beaversīeavers are the largest rodent in North America. In its current range, the beaver “ thrives throughout the Florida Panhandle and upper peninsula in streams, rivers, swamps or lakes that have an ample supply of trees.” ( Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Aquatic Mammals, Beaver: Castor canadensis). “ Growing public concern over declines in beaver and other wildlife populations eventually led to regulations that controlled harvest through seasons and methods of take, initiating a continent-wide recovery of beaver populations.” (Baker, B.W., and E.P. Hundreds of millions of beaver once occupied the North American continent until the 1900s, when the majority had been trapped out in the eastern United States for the fur trade ( Baker, B.W., and E.P. A number of questions have come into the Extension Office lately about managing beavers, so it is a good time to discuss a little about the history and biology of these unique animals, as well as the management options available for land owners. Photo by Judy BissĮven though the “work” beavers do can sometimes cause frustration to land owners, they are truly amazing creatures.
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