American Beaver Castor canadensis

Identification
This species has a large body with dense brown fur and a flat paddle shaped tail. Its incisors are strong and orange colored.

Location
Common statewide

Size
30 to 70 pounds

Diet
It feeds on bark twigs and aquatic vegetation.

Habitat
It occurs in rivers streams and wetlands across Ohio.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is primarily nocturnal and builds dams and lodges. It is a keystone species that alters waterways. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in winter and kits are born in spring.

Population
The population is stable and expanding.

History
It was once extirpated but successfully reintroduced.

Human Interactions
It occasionally conflicts with humans by flooding areas.

Facts
It is the largest rodent in North America.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Bark twigs aquatic plants | Rivers streams wetlands ponds | Statewide