Found throughout North Dakota, especially along the larger streams and rivers and in the Turtle Mountains. Not as abundant in the prairie pothole region of the state. There are two sub-species of beaver in North Dakota. The Canada beaver is somewhat more valuable due to its darker coloration, slightly larger size, and better quality fur. Beaver movements and transplanting have caused the original ranges of the two sub-species to overlap and crosses between the two are found in many areas.
Beavers are water dwelling animals.
They prefer streams with an abundance of trees and brush with which they can build dams to control the water level. They breed in February or March and the young are born three months later in May or June. They may have from one to eight young. The usual litter contains from two to four. The young beavers remain in the nest for five to six weeks.