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. When beavers are alarmed they slap their tails against the water to alert other beavers in the area, then dive into deep water for protection. Though excellent swimmers, they are slow and awkward on land which makes them vulnerable to predators. Beavers will always head for water when they feel threatened.