Image Image Credit Dave Gigliotti Beaver Dave Gigliotti Beavers used to live in almost every perennial (year-round) stream in North America and numbered in the many millions. But as demand for their fur skyrocketed between American colonization and the early 20th century, they were trapped almost to extinction. Despite reintroductions and natural expansion, beavers still have yet to return to many places where they used to live, and many of these areas could use more beavers to restore crucial wetland habitat. Through building dams and lodges, beavers are considered ecosystem engineers because they raise water levels, slow water speed and change water direction. In doing so, they can increase a wetland’s area, diversity and water quality, as well as maintain more stable water temperatures. In beaver ponds, freshwater fish, migratory birds, amphibians, turtles and more wetland species benefit. Defenders' Impact In cases when coexistence tools such as pond leveling devices, culvert protection fences, and tree-fencing cannot solve conflicts, beavers can often be relocated to lands where they will not be in conflict with humans and can provide all the benefits of their ecosystem engineering. Defenders helps these “nuisance” beavers find a new home by live-trapping and relocating them. We also give talks and collaborate with local watershed groups, other environmental groups and NGOs, and state agencies - to help restore freshwater ecosystems by using beavers as a restoration tool. Threats & Status What You Can Do Facts Range & Population Behavior & Reproduction Threats Beavers are threatened by habitat loss and conflict with humans. Protection Status Endangered Species Act IUCN Red List CITES Not Listed Least Concern Not Listed News Image PORTLAND, ORE. NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Oregon Rejects Petition to Increase Protections for Beavers Today, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to reject a petition that would have initiated a rulemaking to increase protections for beavers throughout the state. Defenders of Wildlife, along with nine other conservation groups and private citizens, submitted this petition in September, calling for a permanent ban on all commercial and recreational beaver hunting and trapping on federally-owned lands in the state. VISIT THE NEWSROOM Beaver Blog Posts Image JULY 22, 2021 Watching Wildlife: Celebrating Latino Conservation Week and Getting Out Into Nature Image MAY 28, 2021 iBeaver: Crowd-sourcing data on North America’s Busy Beaver Image JANUARY 17, 2021 Wildlife: A Crucial Piece of the Puzzle in the Fight Against Climate Change VISIT THE BLOG Publications Conserving New Mexico's Wildlife and Wild Places Related Regions Rocky Mountains and Great Plains Southwest Related Issues Protecting Habitat Read More About the Beaver Colorado Beaver Working Group Bothered by Beavers? Wildlife and Wild Places Image Wetlands and Rivers Image Amphibians Image Mice and Rats Image Freshwater Fishes Image Get Alerts & Updates facebook twitter instagram youtube medium pinterest Footer menu ABOUT US FAQ DEFENDERS MAGAZINE PUBLICATIONS JOBS & INTERNSHIPS CONTACT US 1130 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036 1-800-385-9712 © 2021 Defenders of Wildlife Terms of Use Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement How Funds Are Used 97% 97% of our funds go towards program and support services, with only 3% going towards fundraising. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to the use of cookies. Cookie Policy. OK