Beaver

About

How beaver lives

Beavers engineer wetlands by cutting trees, building dams, and slowing water through stream systems. Beaver dams can create ponds that shelter fish, amphibians, birds, and insects. River species are shaped by changing water levels, flowing currents, and narrow migration paths.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting beaver also depends on keeping rivers, wetland habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Beaver dams can create ponds that shelter fish, amphibians, birds, and insects.
• Hair, fur, and milk production are hallmark mammal traits that separate them from other vertebrates.
• River species are shaped by changing water levels, flowing currents, and narrow migration paths.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.