Beaver

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​BEAVERS (Castor canadensi​s)


The largest rodent in North America, beavers are large, semi-aquatic mammals known for their ability to build dams, lodges, and canals. They use their sharp teeth to fell trees and gather branches, creating complex structures that help create wetlands and regulate water systems. Beavers play a vital role in their ecosystems by enhancing biodiversity, controlling water flow, and creating habitats for other species. ​

​​off channel beaver dam.jpeg
Beaver activity can create unexpected changes to property for landowners. 
Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service​


Black bear-02-02.svg
  • Appearance: Beavers are the largest rodents in North America, weighing 30-80 pounds. They have broad, hairless, flat tails, and fur that is normally rich brown in color (can vary to blondish or reddish), with thick underfur and exceptionally long guard hairs.
  • Habitat: Rivers, wetlands, streams or lakes surrounded by trees.
  • Diet: Bark, tree shoots, twigs, roots, grasses​​, ferns, and other water plants.
  • Range: Across Kentucky.
  • Behavior: Semi-aquatic and skilled engineers, beavers build lodges and dams to block flowing water. Their front teeth grow continuously, and they keep them filed down by chewing.


​ ​​​
USFW-OR-Waterfowl-webed.jpg

Living with Beavers​​

Beavers are considered ecosystem engineers due to their role in creating wetlands, which improves water quality, increases biodiversity, and provides natural flood control. However, these activities can lead to problems in areas where it conflicts with human interests.​


​Preventing Beaver Damage

In Kentucky, it is illegal to harm or destroy a beaver lodge or den. Although removing dams and construction materials may prompt a beaver to relocate, other beavers could move in and cause similar problems. Landowners and businesses can take preventative measures to protect their property from beaver damage by implementing the following strategies:

  • Wrapping trees with 1/4- or 1/2-inch hardware cloth up to a height of four feet.
  • Installing netting with small mesh wire to create fences around culverts, drains, and ponds.
  • Installing a high-tensile electric fence.
  • Using flow devices to maintain water movement, which can help reduce flooding in some situations when beavers are present.


Removal

Beavers play a vital role in building wetlands, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Property owners should first explore preventative measures before resorting to lethal removal, as simply removing beavers does not guarantee that future damage will be prevented, as other beavers may move in and cause similar issues.


When Removal is Necessary

If removal becomes necessary, there are several options available:

  • Hiring a wildlife control operator for a fee.
  • Seeking assistance from an experienced fur trapper during the legal trapping season.
  • ​Per KRS 150.170, landowners may manage nuisance wildlife using scare tactics, repellents, fencing, or trapping and shooting. For assistance, please contact a Game Warden or Wildlife Biologist​. A hunting or trapping license is not required. Destruction of any wildlife must be reported to a Game Warden within 24 hours of the kill.
  • trapper-lp.jpg
    Seeking assistance from an experienced fur trapper can help solve damage issues. Credit: Laura Palmer