Beavers (6605)

The North American beaver lives near running water, especially river or creek bottoms in Pennsylvania. Beavers prefer wide valleys with a slight gradient and are less likely to live where the waterways have been constricted or channelized and trees removed.

Individuals move considerable distances looking for new homes, causing random damage along waterways.

Beavers feed on a variety of plant materials, including grasses, shrubs and occasionally crops such as corn, sugar beets, soybeans, or alfalfa. The bark of poplar, cottonwood, willow, maple, birch, and some fruit trees are important food sources. Trees are dragged into the water and used for food later.

Beavers, like man, create an environment that grows the food they desire.

Fencing is the best way to protect trees along waterways. Beavers prefer to stay close to the water's edge. Use metal posts, as beavers may cut wood posts. The fence should be made of at least 16-gauge wire, with openings 2 inches or smaller. The fence needs to be 5 feet above ground and buried 2 inches into the soil. Extend the fence at least 250-350 feet on either side of the pond or waterway. Where individual trees can be protected, place metal bars with the fencing around the tree's base about one foot from the tree. These should be 4'-5' tall. Split drain pipe can be used around small trees.

There are no repellents, toxicants, or fumigants registered for beaver control.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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