It is common to see beaver activity in the Border Country. Beavers live near water because they have short legs and do not move well on land. They stay in the water as much as possible to avoid predators. Their large webbed feet allow them to swim powerfully through the water. Beavers are related to mice, porcupines, rats, and squirrels.
Beavers have long, sharp teeth known as incisors that are used for gnawing.
These teeth are always growing so it is important for the beavers to keep them trim by continuously gnawing on trees and branches. Beaver teeth are so strong that they are able to chew through large tree trunks. Beavers love to eat the bark and leaves from the trees that they fell. Their favorite trees are aspens but they will also eat birch, alder, willow, and mountain maple. They usually prefer trees between 2-6 inches in diameter.