The American beaver (Castor canadensis) inhabits streams, ponds, and small lakes across most of North America. In Capitol Reef, it lives along year-round streams and rivers including the Fremont River. While mainly nocturnal, it is occasionally seen during the day. Beavers don't hibernate, but may become less active in winter. They typically cut trees to build dams, sometimes creating large ponds. Lodges of sticks and mud are often constructed near these ponds and used for shelter, food storage, and raising young. Along the Fremont River, beavers don't typically build dams or lodges, rather they construct dens in the river bank ('bank beavers'). They eat bark, roots, and green aquatic and riparian vegetation. Evidence of beavers in Capitol Reef includes tracks in the mud along streams and downed cottonwood trees.
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