Mammal · GBIF taxon 4409131
Eurasian Beaver
Castor fiberAlso known as European Beaver
Eurasian beavers shape entire freshwater ecosystems by felling trees, constructing lodges, and building dams that transform fast-flowing streams into nutrient-rich wetlands. These massive semiaquatic rodents live in family groups composed of a monogamous breeding pair and several generations of offspring. Waterproof fur and broad webbed hind feet make them master swimmers, while iron-fortified orange incisors continuously grow to cut through hardwood bark.
SemiaquaticKeystone SpeciesNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Willow Bark
- Aspen Wood
- Aquatic Vegetation
Predators
- Gray Wolf
- Eurasian Lynx
- Brown Bear
ThreatsHabitat degradation, climate change, and conflicts with land management
HabitatsRivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and forested wetlands
Life span10–15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCastoridae
- SpeciesCastor fiber
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses powerful jaws and sharp teeth; maintain a safe distance along riverbanks.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with extremely strong jaws and chisel-like incisors that can inflict severe lacerations if cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a massive, heavy-set rodent with a flat paddle tail swimming or foraging near lodge dams.
- What to do
- Observe from a respectful distance along water banks; never approach lodges, kits, or corner an individual.
Responsible observation
- Tail Slapping: Listen for a loud slap on the water surface, which signals alarm and prompts a dive to safety.
- Dawn and Dusk: Look for active swimming and foraging during twilight hours when individuals leave their lodge.
- Fresh Gnawings: Spot clear chisel marks on pale cut tree stumps to confirm recent activity nearby.
Co-habitant Bernard Landgraf / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Co-habitant (c) John Proctor, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Rodney Campbell, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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