Fauna
Mammal

Eurasian Beaver

Castor fiber

Also 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
Eurasian Beaver reference1 / 6
Per Harald Olsen / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyWillow 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
Classification
  1. FamilyCastoridae
  2. SpeciesCastor fiber
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…