Castor canadensis
One of the most industrious animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the American beaver. These remarkable rodents are true landscape engineers, reshaping rivers and valleys with their powerful teeth and instinctive building skills. Beaver ponds, dams, and lodges transform waterways into productive wetlands that support a wide range of wildlife. Spotting a beaver along a quiet riverbank or still pond is a memorable highlight on any Yellowstone wildlife safari.
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About
Nature’s Master Builders
American beavers are the largest rodents in North America, typically weighing between 35 and 65 pounds. Their broad, flat tails help with balance on land and serve as efficient rudders in the water. Large orange incisors grow continuously throughout their lives, allowing beavers to cut through trees and strip bark year-round. Dense, waterproof fur provides insulation during the long, cold winters common in the Yellowstone region.
Beavers are best known for their construction skills. They build dams across streams to slow water flow and create deep ponds that offer safety from predators. These ponds gradually develop into thriving wetland ecosystems. Beavers construct lodges from sticks, mud, and vegetation, complete with underwater entrances that help protect them from predators such as wolves, coyotes, and bears.
Wetland Architects
Beavers are considered a keystone species because their presence dramatically alters and improves the surrounding environment. Beaver ponds help store water, reduce erosion, and improve water quality while creating habitat for numerous species, including moose, river otters, waterfowl, songbirds, fish, and amphibians.
During dry summer months, beaver-created wetlands act as natural reservoirs that sustain plants and wildlife. In times of wildfire, these lush areas often remain green and provide critical refuge for animals. Even after beavers abandon an area, their engineering leaves lasting ecological benefits that can persist for decades.
Family Focused and Hard Working
Beavers live in small family groups typically made up of a breeding pair and their kits from the current and previous year. They mate for life and share all responsibilities involved in raising their young. Kits are born in late spring and remain with their parents for up to two years, learning vital skills such as swimming, dam building, and foraging.
Primarily nocturnal, beavers spend evenings and nights gathering branches, chewing through trees, and reinforcing dams and lodges with mud. Their diet centers on the inner bark of trees like willow, cottonwood, and aspen, along with aquatic vegetation during warmer months.
Where to See Beavers in the Yellowstone Region
Beavers are found throughout the Yellowstone ecosystem in slow-moving rivers, ponds, wetlands, and quiet creek systems. River corridors and side channels provide ideal habitat. Early morning and evening offer the best opportunities for sightings. Watch for ripples on the water’s surface or listen for the distinctive tail slap; a loud warning splash used when beavers sense danger.
Dams and lodges are clear indicators of beaver activity, even when the animals remain hidden. Guided tours with Yellowstone Safari Company frequently explore beaver-rich habitats, where guests may observe beavers swimming with branches, grooming along the banks, or actively maintaining their structures.
Whether reshaping waterways or gliding silently through a pond, beavers play a critical role in maintaining healthy wetlands throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Watching these animals at work offers a powerful reminder of how deeply connected wildlife and landscape truly are.
FAQs
What do beavers eat in the Yellowstone region?
Beavers primarily feed on the inner bark of trees such as willow, aspen, and cottonwood. They also consume aquatic plants and grasses, especially during summer months. Beavers do not eat the wood itself, only the nutritious cambium layer beneath the bark.
How do beavers benefit the Yellowstone ecosystem?
Beavers are a keystone species. Their dams create wetlands that improve water storage, reduce erosion, filter sediment, and support diverse wildlife, including moose, waterfowl, fish, amphibians, and insects.
Are beavers active during winter in Yellowstone?
Yes, beavers remain active year-round. In winter, they spend more time inside their lodges and rely on food caches stored underwater near lodge entrances. Their thick fur and insulated lodges help them survive freezing temperatures.
How large are beaver dams and lodges?
Beaver lodges are often several feet tall and include hidden underwater entrances. Dams can range from just a few feet long to hundreds of feet depending on water flow, terrain, and available materials.
Where are the best places to see beavers in Yellowstone?
Beavers thrive in slow-moving streams, ponds, wetlands, and river edges throughout the region. Evening and early morning hours offer the best chances for sightings, especially near areas with visible dams or lodges.
Further Reading
Lamar Valley Yellowstone: A Wildlife Watcher’s Paradise
Aug 12, 2025
Tucked into the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park lies one of the most wildlife-rich landscapes in North America—Lamar Valley. Often called “America’s Serengeti”, this expansive valley is celebrated for its sweeping views, abundant animal sightings, and exceptional opportunities for nature photography…
Animals of Yellowstone: A Seasonal Wildlife Guide
May 21, 202
From mighty grizzlies to elusive wolves and thundering herds of bison, Yellowstone National Park is a living, breathing showcase of North America’s most iconic wildlife where every season offers a different kind of magic.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a winter escape, this guide reveals what animals you may encounter on your adventures…