Facts & Information
What are Beavers?
The beaver is the largest rodent native to North America. They have water-repellent brown fur, webbed hind feet, and a large, flat tail that helps them swim and build their dams. Beavers are often called “Nature’s Engineers” because of their ability to alter and remodel their entire environment to suit their needs. They have very sharp teeth that allow them to cut down trees to form their dams. A family of beavers can turn a stream into a pond in no time. Beavers are 2-3 feet in length and weigh around 35-90 pounds.
Why Do I Have Them?
Beavers are primarily outdoor pests. They do not enter houses, but their dam-building can cause significant damage to surrounding environments. Beavers cut down valuable trees. Low-lying areas are at risk of flooding if beavers dam nearby streams. Beavers are also known to carry two diseases that can spread to humans – Tularemia and Giardiasis.
Treatment & Control
How Do I Get Rid of Beavers?
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control specializes in beaver removal. We are one of the very few animal control companies that handle beaver problems. Getting rid of beavers is not an easy job. Often we need to use a canoe to get to the beaver dam to set the appropriate cages to trap the beavers. Our company believes in humane animal control, but unfortunately, we can not relocate beavers. They are among the few animals we have to euthanize when caught.
Breeding Season
Beavers are monogamous and will mate for life. They do not breed until they are 2-3 years old. Breeding typically occurs in the den in late January or February. A beaver will have one litter per year with 1 to 6 kits born sometime from May to June. An established colony of beavers consists of the adult pair and two years of offspring.
Where Do Beavers Live?
Beavers are common in Wisconsin. They live in wooded areas near streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds. Beaver dams are made of logs, sticks, and mud. These dom-like structures vary in size but can be as big as 15-feet wide and 7-feet high.
What Do Beavers Eat?
Beavers are herbivores. They eat wood stems, leaves, and aquatic plants. Beavers preferred foods include aspens, poplars, willows, and maples.