Dispersal may be delayed in areas with high beaver densities. The species is active throughout the year and is usually nocturnal.
Beavers can usually control water depth and stability on small streams, ponds, and lakes.
Additionally, narrow valley bottoms cannot support the large amounts of vegetation needed by beavers. One study found that 68 percent of the beaver colonies recorded in Colorado were in valleys with a stream gradient of less than 6 percent. No beaver colonies were recorded in streams with a gradient of 15 percent or more. Marshes, ponds, and lakes are often occupied by beavers when an adequate supply of food is available. The lodge is the major source of escape, resting, thermal, and reproductive cover for beavers.