Beavers can be tricky to spot in the wild, as they tend to avoid humans. Not only that, but they are primarily nocturnal, doing the majority of their work from dusk until dawn. But how can you determine whether activity on your land is the result of beavers? Here’s a comprehensive guide on beaver behaviour and how you can know if you’ve been receiving visits from North America’s largest rodent.

1. INFORMATIONAL ARTICLE:
Spotting Signs of Beaver Activity on Your Property
Beavers can be tricky to spot in the wild, as they tend to avoid humans. Not only that,
but they are primarily nocturnal, doing the majority of their work from dusk until dawn.
But how can you determine whether activity on your land is the result of beavers?
Here’s a comprehensive guide on beaver behaviour and how you can know if you’ve
been receiving visits from North America’s largest rodent.
Understanding Beaver Behaviour
Beavers are excellent swimmers and have the capacity to hold their breath underwater
for up to 15 minutes. When scared or approached by potential predators, beavers will
slap their tails against the water, warning others to take refuge. Beavers don’t hibernate
for the winter and regularly leave their lodges throughout the winter to find food.
Typically, this food is stored in a submerged stash.
Beavers are very territorial and can often get aggressive toward potential intruders,
including other beavers. To set boundary limits of their territory, they strategically place
mud-scent mounds on the perimeter of their space. They apply their musk, called
castoredum, to these mounds from the castor glands located in the anal region of both
male and female beavers.
Where beavers live in North America
Beavers live in the forested regions of Canada and north to the treeline, but are rarely
spotted in the prairies. Beavers favour slow-flowing streams where they construct dams
of sticks, logs, debris and mud. Other than humans, beavers are one of the only
mammals who manufacture their own environment to suit their needs. Unless food is
limited, beavers usually go no further than 50 metres from shore to cut trees. However,
due to human activity encroaching on beaver habitat, it’s now more likely that farmers
and landowners will run into beaver trouble.
Signs of a beaver on your land
Tracks: Every animal has their own unique footprint that they leave behind, and
beavers are particularly noteworthy. Beavers have smaller front paws with digging claws
while their back feet are longer and webbed. While they can be hard to spot, their
signature print does make their tracks easier to identify if present.
Felled trees/gnawing: One of the more obvious signs of a beaver are trees that have
clearly been chewed through and toppled over. If you notice trees are beginning to fall
around your property, there’s a good chance a beaver is trying to claim them. They take
down trees to access smaller branches, which are a good food source for them.

2. Mud pillars: Beavers are quite territorial and mark their territory by building large mud
piles. These piles of mud are a sign to other beavers and the land is taken. Male and
female beavers will cover them in castoreum, a smelly oil they secrete close to their
anal glands.
Flooding: If you notice a small creek has recently expanded onto your land, it may be
the work of beavers. Check for blockages that look like they could be the work of a
beaver.
If you think you may have trouble with beavers on your land, contact the professionals
who can help mitigate the conflict safely and humanely. Remember, even if beavers can
occasionally be a nuisance, their presence is vital to the ecosystem.