After young beavers reach their second or third year, they are forced to leave the family group. Dispersal may be delayed in areas with high beaver densities. Subadults generally leave the natal colony in the late winter or early spring. The species is active throughout the year and is usually nocturnal. Adult beavers are nonmigratory.
Beavers can usually control water depth and stability on small streams, ponds, and lakes.
Lakes and reservoirs that have extreme annual or seasonal fluctuations in the water level are generally unsuitable habitat for beavers. Intermittent streams or streams that have major fluctuations in discharge will have little year-round value as beaver habitat. Stream characteristics such as gradient, depth, and width are determining factors in habitat use by beaver. Steep topography prevents the establishment of a food transportation system. Additionally, narrow valley bottoms cannot support the large amounts of vegetation needed by beavers.