Beaver
About Beavers
Beavers are mostly nocturnal but also crepuscular meaning that they work at twilight too.
9:46 minute video about beavers protecting and improving the environments they live in. How beavers help waterways to improve drought resilience. They rebuild wetland, riparian borders, farm land, helping to boost biodiversity while protecting human communities.
Beavers as Environmental Engineers
Beavers not only prevent flooding, and restore river ecosystems, but they create new spawning ground for fish species such as salmon.
Around 80% of North American species rely on the types of habitat that beavers create.
Conceptual Model Illustrating How Beaver Dams Affect the Development of Incised Streams
Beaver Dam Diagrams This link also offers diagrams of beaver baffles and other beaver-related info.
Beavers vs Fire
When very similar streams were compared with and without beavers. The landscapes without beavers have been found to burn 3 times more intensely than the same kinds of areas with beavers and their dams.
After fire raged through one California landscape, one waterway, tucked between hills, remained basically untouched by the flames that charred the surrounding hills.
Now beavers are removed from areas where they have been considered a nuisance and are being returned to landscapes where they can replenish waterways and groundwater.
Beavers vs Drought
Landscapes with beavers tend to be much greener as they create underground water storage. When droughts hit, landscapes with sever droughts can stay green and healthy for at least 3 years compared to waterways without these amazing creatures.
Beavers Help Salmon & Other Fish
Beavers Without Borders This 16:19 minute documentary explores beavers after reintroductions to England, Bavaria, and Scotland.
70% of the world's salmon spawn in Norway, and of their top 10 salmon rivers, 7 have beavers, and 6 are at capacity for beavers. This indicates that beavers improve fish stock numbers, and their presence will continue to help reverse the mass extinction of fish currently happening due to human activities.
Indicator Species
Beaver presence and numbers can help indicate the health of the biomes where they are found. Their power as fire deterrents can also indicate safer places to build or replant trees.
Threats to Beaver
Persecution from farmers and land owners for flooding and tree damage.
Hunting - Beavers were almost hunted to extinction for fur hats and other consumer product. In some places it is illegal to relocate beavers, but killing is still legal.
Loss of habitat - Most land use is for livestock, some is for crop farming, followed by mining, fossil fuel extraction, roads, and urban buildup.
Calls to Action
Levels 1-3 Action
Solving Problems with Beavers Topics include non-lethal beaver management, protecting trees, use of baffles and so on.
Building beaver analog dams can help make newly-arrived beavers feel comfortable, and even give them a head start as they sometime use these structures as foundations for their own building projects.
There should be an organization or system to help connect people who need beaver removal with communities who desperately need beaver services. The receiving community should receive education and resources to assure successful translocation including protecting certain trees to help mitigate damage to wanted trees. There are some programs that help rehome beavers, and they have been listed further down the page under "Beaver Relocation Programs"
Level 3-4 Action
If your area has laws against rehoming beavers, but allows their slaughter, work with your local conservation or beaver organization and work with them to help create better laws.
Contact Your Representative to let them know why current laws are a problem, and what would be a better alternative.
How to Help Beavers
Beaver Dam Analogs (BDA) & Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS)
"A Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) is a man-made structure designed to mimic the form and function of a natural beaver dam. BDAs can also be used to increase the probability of successful beaver translocation by creating immediate deep water habitat that reduces the risk of predation. In general, the design and installation of BDA complexes is a simple, cost-effective, non-intrusive approach to stream restoration that can influence a suite of hydraulic, geomorphic and hydrologic processes in order to achieve a range of common restoration goals."
Human-built Beaver Dam Analogs can be installed to help jump-start a new habitat. These structures provide the same function of slowing down waterways, creating habitats for fish to spawn in, and creating lush wet landscapes where droughts have been cutting back on biodiversity. Some of them even attract beavers who sometimes take over the maintenance and improvement process.
Climate Change Adaptation Through Beaver Mimicry (4:20 minute video) Jeff Dougherty builds a beaver dam analog alone, talking about how the Native Americans historically used these techniques to store water for late summer. Later in the video are demonstrations for design and techniques used by a small group of people with simple tools.
Text from the video above: "Jeff is demonstrating the value of beaver mimicry and inspiring the state of Montana, federal, and private entities to incorporate this approach into their riparian restoration efforts."
"With the help of WCS, beaver mimicry has become a widely utilized tool for restoring watersheds, helping ecosystems adapt to the effects of climate change across the arid Rocky Mountain West."
Education & Training Opportunities
Beaver Institute: Training Beaver Wetland Professionals "The Beaver Institute is proud to offer the first and only professional, non-lethal beaver management course. The online classes and field work are personally mentored by Beaver Institute President, Mike Callahan and other Beaver Institute instructors. All students learn the same successful, innovative beaver management techniques that he has successfully used since 1998 to resolve over 2,000 beaver-human conflicts, as well as Process-Based Restoration techniques to restore streams and beaver wetlands. Graduates are certified as Beaver Wetland Professionals and utilize their knowledge in a variety of settings."
Safety & Construction Resources
Anabranch Solutions Videos for Volunteers "Building BDAs and PALS are part of a Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) technique that doesn't require extensive training or heavy equipment and therefore can be done by a diverse workforce. However, there are inherent risks in working outdoors in uneven terrain, with sharp tools, large woody materials, and a variety of equipment. These videos go over some of the safety issues to be aware of while participating in Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration. After you have watched the videos, please take the short safety quiz below and then sign the volunteer waiver to become an Anabranch Solutions LTPBR volunteer."
Idaho Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool: Building Realistic Expectations for Partnering with Beaver in Conservation and Restoration (PDF) Includes maps and data for planning in Idaho.
Legally Required Surveys & Land Preparation for Beavers
10:17 minute video.
This video shows some of the steps Mossy Earth had to go through to pick out degraded land, and then ensure their damming and reforestation project wouldn't negatively impact vulnerable Scottish species such as otters and fresh water clams.
Your own region may have different prerequisites.
Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
The resources in this section are from the UtahState University Restoration Consortium. They include PDFs and helpful images. Full PDFs are available for free at ResearchGate, but ResearchGate requires a free account.
Chapter 3: Planning for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration "The third chapter covers planning for low tech process-based restoration. We illustrate the process with the NRCS Conservation Planning Process, and show what aspects are distinctive to low-tech restoration. Specifically, the following topics are covered:
Where to Plan?
Phase 1: Collection & Analysis
Phase 2: Decision Support & Design
Phase 3: Application & Evaluation
The Low-Tech Extension of Conservation Planning Process
Chapter 3 also has appendices on:
Appendix 3A: Parallels Between Different Planning Frameworks for Restoration
Appendix 3B: Mapping Synthesis of Problems & Opportnities Problems & Opportunities
Appendix 3C: Mapping Valley Bottom for Assessing Space
Appendix 3D: Assessing Risk to Property, Infrastructure, and Public Safety
Appendix 3E: Assessing Riparian Conditions to support Wood accumulation
Appendix 3F: Assessing Potential for Beaver Dam Activity
Appendix 3G: Structure Level Adaptive Management"
Chapter 4: Mimicking and Promoting Wood Accumulation and Beaver Dam Activity with Post-Assisted Log Structures and Beaver Dam Analogues "The fourth chapter is meant to be the authoritative reference on two low-tech restoration techniques, which are lacking guidelines in the literature: post-assisted log structures (PALS) & beaver dam analogues (BDAs). The chapter focuses on helping readers understand what PALS & BDAs are, how they are used in low-tech restoration design, and a specific focus on the processes intially mimicked, later promoted, and that eventually become self-sustatining; namely wood accumulation and beaver dam activity.
Chapter 4 also has appendices on:
Appendix A. Freqently Asked Questions About PALS and BDAs
Appendix B: Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration Semantics
Appendix C: Recent History of Beaver Dam Analogues
Appendix D: Typical Schematics and General Suggestions for Placement and Construction of PALS
Appendix E: Typical Schematics and General Suggestions for Placement and Construction of BDAs"
Chapter 5: Designing Low-Tech Restoration Projects "The fifth chapter covers the low-tech process-based restoration design processl. This process is generic to desiging any type of low-tech process-based restoration treatment (not just PALS & BDAs). Speifically, the following topics are covered:
Key Principles for Designing Low-Tech Restoration Projects
Getting Started – Design and Required Information
A Low-Tech Design Plan
Design of a Complex
Considerations for Common Complex Objectives
The Importance of Time and Flow Conditions
Chapter 5 also has an appendices on:
Appendix A: The Topographic Paradox"
Chapter 6: Low-Tech Restoration Project Implementation "The sixth chapter is targeted at practitioners responsible for implementing low-tech process-based restoration projects. We focus on the three primary components of implementation and cover the following topics:
Consultation and Permitting
Construction
Building Materials for Low-Tech Structures
Tools & Equipment for Building Low-Tech Structures
General Construction Guidance
Evaluation
Chapter 6 also has appendices on:
Appendix A: Post Driver Information
Appendix B: Wood Replenishment with Griphoists"
Additional Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration Resources
References and Training Resources
Tools & Protocols
Examples & Community
Beaver Relocation Programs
North America
USA
Washington
Beaver Relocation in Washington This page has info about how to get a beaver removed from your property, have a beaver moved to your property including property evaluation information to make sure the place is suitable, necessary permits, and even how to become a beaver relocator.
Tools & Resources
Eco-System Restoration & Assessment Tools
BRAT(Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool) "is useful for condition assessment as it pertains to developing expectations for beaver dam building. Specifically, BRAT provides one way for network-scale assessment of the question of Can (or could via restoration) the riverscape support beaver dam activity?"
RCAT(Riparian Condition Assessment Tool) "is helpful for assessing riparian conditions, the causes of departure from historic conditions and looking at recovery potential within the valley bottom. Specifically, RCAT provides one way for network-scale assessment of the question Are the woody resources present or could they be (via restoration) to support and sustain process of wood accumulation?"
Humane Methods to Resolve Human/Beaver Conflict
Solving Problems with Beavers Topics include non-lethal beaver management, protecting trees, use of baffles and so on.
Living With Beavers Talks about benefits of beavers and beaver facts, then discusses conflict solutions.
Reintroduction Feasibility Studies
The feasibility and acceptability of reintroducing the European beaver to England (NECR002) "This report was commissioned jointly by Natural England and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species to help develop views on the feasibility and desirability of beaver reintroductions in England, and to provide information on what contribution beavers might make to national habitat restoration targets. The findings in the report should also help Natural England prepare itself for making a decision if it receives an application to release beavers into the wild in England.
The views in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England. At the time of publication, Natural England’s Board has not considered its position on beaver reintroductions."
Adoption Programs
North America
Canada
Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) "This North American beaver was rescued after his dam was washed away due to high water levels on the Red Deer River. There was no sign of parents or other siblings, so he was brought to AIWC for care. Although he is growling daily and is bright and alert, we have a long road ahead of us, and he will likely remain in care at AIWC for quite some time. In the wild, young beavers do not disperse from their parents for 2-3 years so this little one will be in our care until spring 2024. Until then, he will be provided with a natural environment and all the care he needs to grow into a healthy and strong beaver before returning to the wild. Thank you for helping to support his care!"
Organizations
Here's a general list of Beaver-Friendly Organizations: https://martinezbeavers.org/wordpress/wordpress/beaver-friendly-organizations/
International
Beavers Wetlands & Wildlife Works with partners in the US, Canada, and elsewhere.
Asia
Russia
Voronezhsky Biosphere Reserve experimental Beaver Nursery is an essential element of the reserve’s initiative for environmental education. It has been open to the public since it was founded. First visitors could watch the beavers that were kept in open enclosures on the bank of the Usman River from a viewing platform.
Europe
Península Ibérica/Iberian Peninsula: Spain/España/Espanha & Portugal
De ríos y castores "trata de mostrar al público en general, todo lo relacionado con el retorno del castor a la Península Ibérica. El castor está considerado como una especie “llave” para la recuperación de los maltrechos ecosistemas acuáticos y así lo han entendido, en más de 20 países europeos donde ha sido re-introducido."
UK
Beaver Trust is a nature restoration charity run by a small team with expertise in conservation, ecology and land management who provide practical solutions to help people live alongside beavers and support legislation that rebuilds ecosystems and strengthens climate resilience.
Beavers on the Otter "In conjunction with Devon Wildlife Trust we are compiling a database of Beaver sightings on the River Otter. We are particularly interested in historic sighting. There is evidence that there have been beavers living on the river Otter for several years. We need to collate the evidence so please contact us if you have seen or even photographed Beavers on the river in the last decade."
North America
The Beaver Institute "developed and implements many effective programs to restore beavers and their valuable wetlands across North America."
Canada
Ottawa
The Stittsville Beaver Lodge "We are a group of Ottawa residents who rallied to save the lives of two beaver, Lily and Lucky, who built a lodge in a storm water pond in Stittsville, a suburb of Ottawa. These beaver were going to be trapped and killed by the City, but because of a huge public outcry which included a petition, emails, phone calls, a demonstration, and media coverage, the Mayor suspended the trapping, for now. We continue to fight for all beaver in Ottawa."
USA
National Beaver Working Groups (NBWG) "are a collective of six-themed sub-groups researching, creating actions, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other through Science & Research, Policy & Legal, Beaver Management Practices, Education, Funding, and Communication. The NBWG’s were formed out of a national dialogue session held at BeaverCON 2022 and were launched in September 2022."
California
Beavers & Brush "the solution to California's fires" "It will take all of us to educate policy makers and create new regulations that restore this region's oldest safeguards against runaway fires."
The Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) "is an 80-acre research, demonstration, advocacy and organizing center in Sonoma County, California that develops strategies for regional-scale community resilience."
"North American beaver (Castor canadensis) are what biologists call a “keystone species” as the habitat they create benefits many other species. Their dams improve water quantity and quality, increase late season flow and reduce the impacts of flooding. Beaver bank burrows and food caches provide critical habitat for many native and endangered California species. Despite these benefits, current California beaver policy solely focuses on recreational hunting and lethal nuisance management. In response, the WATER Institute launched a Bring Back the Beaver Campaign to educate citizens about the importance of beaver. In order to improve water supply for humans and the environment and increase resilience to drought and climate change, we are working to integrate their management into California policy and regulation."Southland Beaver Blog about beavers on the Santa Ynez River
Iowa
Iowa Water Project "Our mission is to utilize low-cost, ecologically-friendly methods to improve the water quality in our state. We are currently focused on stream improvement and wetland restoration projects in southeast Iowa."
Massachusetts
Beaver Solutions offers beaver removal and other solutions.
Nevada
Sierra Wildlife Coalition "We are an all Volunteer, non-profit group in the Tahoe-Truckee area of the Sierra Nevada. We promote and provide Humane and Practical Solutions for living with Beavers, Coyotes, and all our Local Wildlife"
Oregon
Beaver Ambassadors "started in West Linn, Oregon, as a way to increase awareness for the community about the beavers that live in West Linn and why this species is so important to the natural ecosystem. We work with schools, organizations, individuals, volunteers, and community events to celebrate and promote the function of beavers in our parks and rivers. If you have any questions, comments, or you would like to volunteer as a “Beaver Ambassador” please email us..."
Beaver State Wildlife Solutions "our goal is to create a long-term, low-maintenance and cost-effective solution to your wildlife issue. A solution that works within the ecosystem, and moves beyond the "wildlife management" legacy of poisoned bait and bullets."
Think Wild: Beaver Works Oregon "Beaver, a keystone species, were nearly extirpated from eastern Oregon by 1900. Their absence resulted in the loss of natural processes which provided resilience in riparian ecosystems. The loss of resilience left these ecosystems extremely vulnerable to degradation by changes in land use that occurred during settlement.
Beaver Works Oregon works to support beaver and the required components and processes that 1) sustain them and 2) allow them to function as keystone species." BeaverWorks
Utah
Partnering with Beaver in Restoration Design "If you're interested in learning more about using beaver as a restoration tool, don't get in over your head. While a lot of decision making can be left to the rodent, expectation management is critical. This site and our workshops are designed to help introduce you to the fundamental principles and some practical, hands-on skills to help you tackle such projects successfully. "
Washington
Beavers Northwest "We specialize in providing technical advice to property owners who are experiencing beaver conflicts. We focus on non-lethal management options to alleviate flooding and property damage without harming beavers. Learn how."
The Lands Council’s Beaver Program "has a diversified approach to using beavers to address issues. We focus on: policy reform, education and outreach, and direct project implementation. We are actively shaping beaver population management policy and connectivity at the state and regional scale by informing and engaging governing agencies and authorities. We give numerous presentations each year to school groups and other organizations. Additionally, we offer consultation and nuisance management services such as tree protections and flood control structures from beaver activity and we offer live-trapping and relocation services as well. Finally, The Lands Council prioritizes long term goals to accommodate greater beaver populations – not only with safeguards for nuisance activity, but also with building future habitats that will reforest our stream reaches with trees and vegetation appropriate for beaver diet and structural needs. To date, we have reforested approximately a mile of stream reach and we are actively monitoring the results of each project, utilizing volunteers, and investing in additional community planning in this project."
Methow Beaver Project "promotes working with Beavers as partners for restoring streams, riparian habitat, and biodiversity while reactivating wetlands, increasing water storage, and fostering community education and involvement to improve the health and resilience of the Methow River watershed."
Maps
International
Eurasia
Population and distribution of beavers Castor fiber and Castor canadensis in Eurasia "This paper is the third review – including short updates the fifth paper – intended to summarise Eurasian beaver Castor fiber distribution change and population development..."
Wikipedia: Eurasian Beaver multiple maps of beaver ranges over Europe and Asia.
Eurasian beaver population and distribution: The past, present and future (PDF) includes Probable post Ice-Age distribution of beavers in Eurasia
Asia
Europe
The Return of the European Beaver Map shows original range, relic populations, as well as introduced Eurasian and North American populations.
Finland
Distribution patterns of the native Eurasian and the non-native North American beaver in Finland This paper discusses possible factors affecting the slow range expansion of the native species
Norway
The Distribution of Beaver (Castor fiber) in Norway in 2005 "The country was divided into 10 km 2 quadrates and each point refers to a quadrate where either beaver, or their lodges or dams, have been observed (Rosell and Parker 2011). The data were collected by the Norwegian Zoological Society (Norsk Zoologisk Forening, Prosjekt Pattedyratlas) based on information from numerous sources including municipal wildlife managers, landowners, hunters, and society members."
Scotland
The Scottish Beaver Trial at Knapdale, mid-Argyll, western Scotland and the Tayside catchments in eastern Scotland "where unauthorised releases of beavers have taken place (•). Also shown in grey is the network of 'potential core beaver woodland' across mainland Scotland."
North America
USA
Estimated North American Historic Beaver Distribution The map in this resource shows where beavers used to be present, and where they are currently absent.
The Overlapping Pleistocene Ranges of the Beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) "The beaver enjoys an extensive range as the below map shows. However, it is presently absent in most of penninsular Florida. The scientific literature offers no reason for this absence."
California
Nevada