North American beaver

Scientific name: Castor canadensis

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Beavers are stocky, robust rodents with dark brown to reddish-brown fur, dense underfur, and a distinctive flat, scaled tail. Adults show minimal sexual dimorphism; females may average slightly smaller than males.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 16–30 kg, with body length 75–90 cm; tail adds another 25–30 cm. Weight varies by region and food availability.

Habitat

North American beavers inhabit freshwater wetlands, rivers, streams, and lakes across forested and semi-open regions. They prefer areas with accessible softwood and hardwood trees, shrubs, and aquatic vegetation near permanent or semi-permanent water bodies.

Distribution

North American beavers are found throughout Canada, most of the northern and central United States, and scattered populations in western states. They occupy suitable freshwater habitat from sea level to high mountain valleys.

Diet

Beavers feed on bark, cambium, and twigs of softwoods (aspen, willow, birch) and hardwoods, supplemented by aquatic vegetation, roots, and herbaceous plants; diet shifts seasonally toward stored woody material in winter.

Behaviour

Beavers are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, most active at dusk and night. They are highly social, living in family units (colonies) within lodge or bank-den systems, and defend territories vigorously.

Hunting tips

Key sign includes fresh-cut saplings (pencil to wrist thickness), wood chips, conical stumps, dam and lodge structures, and runs/trails to water. Approach from downwind along shorelines at dusk; position near active feeding areas or dam crossings. Move slowly and listen for splashes or tail slaps indicating presence.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 3 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.