Unlike many wildlife species who either migrate or hibernate, beavers hunker down and winter-over due to specially adapted waterproof fur, fatty tails and organised behaviour.

As temperatures cool there is a flurry of activity trying to get food supplies ready for the coldest months by cutting trees which are stored in a food cache close to their lodge. 

Although their diet consists of twigs, buds and bark, some of their favourite trees include willow, alder, birch, and poplar which they feed on during winter. 

Beaver dams are not their homes - beaver lodges are. 

Beavers build dams to stop flowing water which in turn slow water to create ponds and wetlands for safe habitat and easier access to food resources. 

Beaver lodges on the other hand are built of sticks and mud, and are often home to a monogamous mated pair of beavers and their young family before adolescents move off.  

Although the entrance to the beaver lodge is located under water, research as shown the inside of lodges are warm and cozy with temperatures around 32°C making it an ideal spot to keep warm and dry during winter.

In really cold places, look out for steam rising from the top of a lodge!

If you find a lodge or notice beaver activity on your property, give our team a call so we can support you with beaver management as the cold starts to thaw!