Today the biggest threat to beaver populations comes from human conflicts and habitat destruction. The Benefits of Beavers Beavers, just like people, change their habitat to suit their needs. When beavers build a dam and change a portion of fast moving stream into a pond, they not only create their own habitat but provide habitat for many other species and improve water quality. Beaver ponds are deep enough to prevent water from freezing to the bottom in winter. This provides important winter habitat for many species of fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Beavers also help to protect water quality by slowing stream flows.
When the water flow slows behind a dam, sediments suspended in the water have a chance to settle out, reducing the amount of sediment moving downstream and eventually entering the Chesapeake Bay. Beavers create wetland habitat for herons, frogs, river otters, mink, muskrats, raccoons, amphibians, waterfowl, and many species of plants. Many people enjoy watching the social behaviors of beaver. Some of the county parks' nature centers provide beaver programs for those who want to learn more about this fastinating animal. Beaver facts Adult beavers can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, making them the largest rodents in North America.