beaver resources &
FAQs.
Beaver provide many ecological benefits, but they can also be a nuisance to landowners and property managers.  Beaver are unique in that they alter their environment to create and maintain their ideal habitat by cutting down treas and creating dams and ponds.  They are often referred to as 'ecosystem engineers' because they maintain and enhance wetland ecosystems that provides habitat for fish, birds, moose, insects and many other animals.  

beaver restoration

Beaver play an important role in riverscape health. Find out more about how partnering with beaver is helping to restore degraded rivers.

living with beaver

Find resources and recommendations for benefiting from beaver on your property, while minimizing damage.
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trapping & relocating 

If living with beaver on your property isn't a workable solutions, explore options here for live-trapping and relocating beaver.​

FAQS 
about beaver. 

>> Are beaver native to Utah?
Yes, beaver once numbered between 60-400 million (!) in North America.  They were largely trapped out during the height of the beaver pelt craze in the 1800's. They have since recolonized much of their former range, but not their former population levels (UDWR).
>> Are beaver protected/threatened?​
Beaver in Utah are not threatened but are classified as protected wildlife.  The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) is responsible for their management.
>> what do beaver eat? do beaver eat fish?
Beaver are vegetarians (no, they don't eat fish) and prefer some plants over others when available.  In Utah, beaver opt for aspen, cottonwood and willow when available.  Birch, maple, ash and alder are also acceptable alternatives in areas without their preferred food.
>> How long do beaver live?
Beaver can live up to 20 years.
>> HOW BIG DO BEAVER GET?
Beaver are the largest rodents in North America and can grow up to 4 feet and weigh up to 60 lbs.
>> HOW BIG OF A RANGE DO BEAVER COVER?
Beaver generally live together as part of a colony.  A colony is a family group that generally consists of the current year's kits and the year-old kits.  Once kits are sub-adults (2 years) they disperse and find a new territory.
>> HOW DO YOU TELL THE SEX OF A BEAVER?
Because they have no external genitalia it’s not easy.  The best way that we have found is to express their scent glands.  The fluid in a male is tan and smells something like motor oil, and the females are more white or clear and smell like strong cheese.  However, it varies and some especially young beavers are hard to tell.  This High Country News has more details about the beaver sexing procedure.
>> WHY DO BEAVER SLAP THEIR TAILS?
The tail is a very distinguishing characteristic of beaver.  They use their tails as a rudder in the water and like a kick-stand.  Their tails are also useful as an alarm system to warn others in the colony of predators.
>> WHAT KIND OF PREDATORS DO BEAVER HAVE?
Beaver are slow and clumsy on land, but quick in the water.  They build underwater entrances to their lodge to avoid predators.  Predators include bears, bobcats and mountain lions.

VIDEOS & NEWS
about beaver. 
The Beaver Ecology & Relocation Center is a partnership with Utah State University Ecology Center & Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. ​