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Global Animal Guide

Where Do North American Beavers Live?

Quick answer

North American Beavers are native to North America. Rivers, lakes, and ponds across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico; reintroduced to parts of Europe where the Eurasian beaver also occurs.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Rivers, lakes, and ponds across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico; reintroduced to parts of Europe where the Eurasian beaver also occurs.

Continents and countries

North American Beavers occur across North America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Rivers, lakes, and ponds across North America provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where north american beavers persist today.

FAQs

Where do north american beavers live in the wild?

Rivers, lakes, and ponds across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico; reintroduced to parts of Europe where the Eurasian beaver also occurs.

What do north american beavers eat?

They feed on herbivore — bark, twigs, aquatic plants, and roots, varying by season and local habitat.

Are north american beavers endangered?

North American Beavers are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a north american beaver?

Adults weigh about 25 kg and reach roughly 1 m long.

Sources

← Back to North American Beaver guide