Beavers are amazing creatures. Often referred to as nature’s “engineers” by wildlife experts, these overgrown rodents spend their time building a fortress of trees, twigs, mud and stone. If you’re wondering why beavers build dams in the first place, then you’re not alone.
Why Beavers Build Dams
Like us humans, beavers want a place that they can retire to after a long day’s work; but they won’t just settle anywhere; on the contrary, when it comes to their living space, beavers’ standards are quite high. Not only must the dam provide a significant amount of protection from predators, it must also be cozy.
Rather than hijack the work of other animals, beavers choose to build their own homes. Makes sense right? After all, why have someone else build your home when you know you can do a better job?
For more information about beavers and how they construct their dams, check out PBS’ amazing infographic
How Beaver Dams Help The Environment
Beavers do a lot of good for our ecosystem. For example…
Their dams help prevent floods and droughts. Beaver dams slow the flow of water in ponds, which effectively keeps more water on our lands. In addition, beavers naturally dig into the mud below the surface when they swim; this makes water evaporate at a slower rate.
They Can Replenish Wetlands For Other Animals. Beavers have been known to turn extremely dry and seemingly desolate areas into fertile habitats for other animals. Their work ethic can provide nutrient-rich resources for their animal neighbors, like deer.
Beaver Ponds Filter Water. PBS rightfully calls beaver ponds “Earth’s kidneys” because they generate cleaner water downstream.
Have a Beaver Problem? Let Us Relocate Them Safely
We respect the benefits that beavers provide to our environment. If you need to remove a beaver, then let us do it for you. We take pride in trapping and relocating beavers the right way. It is our mission to move beavers to a place where they can do what they do best in peace.
