Quck answer
Beavers build dams to create a habitat for themselves and protect themselves from predators. Dams provide a calm and deep pool of water where beavers can build their lodge and store food. The deep water also makes it difficult for predators to reach the beavers. Additionally, dams help beavers control water flow and create wetlands that provide habitat for other animals. Beavers are considered a keystone species because their dams have a significant impact on the environment.
Wild Animals
Beavers and their dams are a crucial part of nature. As a keystone species, they have a significant impact on surrounding ecosystems by creating wetlands that attract a variety of animals. However, beavers can also be problematic for landowners and farmers, as we will discuss in this article.
Beaver Dams: Pros and Cons
Beavers use their large front teeth to chew through medium-sized trees with ease.
Alan and Sandy Carey/Photodisc/Getty Images
Beaver dams play a critical role in wetlands, which are heavily dependent on them. Wetlands are home to many endangered and threatened species in North America, and beaver dams help to prevent sediment and toxins from flowing into streams and oceans. In addition, they absorb large amounts of water, which can prevent potential floods. However, beaver dams can also cause flooding that damages crops and livestock, as well as endanger public safety by destabilizing roads, bridges, train trestles, and levees. Beavers also pose a threat to valuable trees and can damage utility lines and buildings.
Various organizations work together with landowners and farmers to use environmentally-friendly methods of beaver dam control. These methods include humane trapping and removal, the use of beaver pipes, pre-dams, specially-designed waterway fences, low-voltage electric fences to keep beavers off of land, and the application of repellants on trees. In certain cases, government agencies may compensate those who protect beavers and their habitats.
Beavers and their dams have both advantages and disadvantages. For more information on beavers and related topics, please follow the links on the next page.
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Why Beavers are Important for Ecosystems
In the past, North America had a beaver population of 60 million to 200 million living in most parts of the continent [source: Grannes]. These beavers built thousands of dams that had a significant impact on ecosystems. However, by 1900, most of the beavers had been killed for their pelts, leading to a decline in their population. Laws were later put in place in the US in the 1930s to protect the beaver, which helped boost their numbers. Similarly, most beavers in the UK were killed several hundred years ago, but they are slowly returning as scientists recognize their ability to create wetlands and other natural habitats.
Originally Published: Jul 7, 2008
Beaver Dam FAQ
Why do beavers build dams?
Beavers build dams to protect themselves from predators. They do not live in water, but the dam provides them with a secure lodge. The dams also create deep water that makes them feel safe by blocking water from flowing out of the pond.
Are beaver dams beneficial?
Beaver dams create wetlands, which are lush ecosystems that support a wide variety of plant and animal life. These wetlands also help neutralize heavy rainfall’s impact and prevent flooding. Moreover, beaver dams prevent toxins and sediment from filtering into streams.
Why are beaver dams problematic?
Beaver dams can cause flooding and harm lands used by farmers for crops or livestock.
Is it illegal to destroy a beaver dam?
According to state laws, it is a misdemeanor to disrupt a beaver’s activities or remove its dam. A license or permit is required to tear down a beaver dam.
Lots More Information
Related HowStuffWorks Articles
- What if the Hoover Dam broke?
- How Animal Camouflage Works
- How Floods Work
More Great Links
- AnimalPlanet.com
- Beaver Dams Create Healthy Downstream Ecosystems
- Beaver Solutions
- Control of Beaver Flooding and Restoration Products
Sources
- “Beaver Biology.” Beaver Solutions. http://www.beaversolutions.com/about_beaver_biology.asp
- “Eager beavers give estate a dam.” BBC News. June 15, 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/7455673.stm
- “How Beaver Problems Develop.” King County. April 11, 2008. http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/beavers/problems-develop.aspx
- “Solving Problems with Beavers.” The Humane Society of the United States. http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/solving_problems_with_your_wild_neighbors/solving_problems_with_beavers.html
- “The Beaver.” Beavers: Wetlands & Wildlife. http://www.beaversww.org/beaver.html
- Fall, Samuel. “Beaver Pictures & Facts.” 2007. http://fohn.net/beaver-pictures-facts/
- Grannes, Steven G. “Beaver Dam Information.” Jan. 14, 2008. http://www.beaverdam.info/
- Vantassel, Stephen, et al. NebGuide. Controlling Beaver Damage. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources. http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/publicationD.jsp?publicationId=47
- Wachtel, Beverly. “Beaver Dam.” Earth & Sky Teachers Center. http://www.earthsky.org/teachers/article/beaver-dam
- Waubaugh National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/waubay/terms_definitions.htm
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of beaver dams?
Beaver dams serve many purposes. First, they create a pond which provides a safe area for the beavers to live. The pond also attracts other wildlife, such as fish, turtles, and birds. Additionally, the dam helps to control water flow and prevent flooding. The beavers use the dam to create a steady water supply and control the water level in the pond.
2. How do beavers build dams?
Beavers build dams by using their powerful front teeth to cut down trees and branches. They then drag the cut branches and trees to the desired location and use mud and rocks to hold them in place. Over time, the dam grows taller and longer as the beavers add more materials.
3. Do all beavers build dams?
No, not all beavers build dams. Only two species of beavers, the North American beaver and the Eurasian beaver, build dams. These beavers build dams as part of their natural behavior to create a safe and secure living environment.
4. What happens if a beaver dam is destroyed?
If a beaver dam is destroyed, the water flow will increase and the pond will dry up. This can have a negative impact on the beavers and other wildlife living in the area. The beavers will then work to rebuild the dam to maintain their living environment.
5. How long does it take for a beaver dam to be built?
The time it takes for a beaver dam to be built varies depending on the size of the dam and the number of beavers working on it. A small dam may take a few weeks to build, while a larger dam can take several months to a year.
6. Can beaver dams cause problems for humans?
Beaver dams can cause problems for humans if they are built in areas where they can cause flooding or block water flow. However, beavers are a vital part of many ecosystems and their dams provide numerous benefits to other wildlife and the environment.
7. What materials do beavers use to build dams?
Beavers primarily use trees and branches to build dams. They also use mud and rocks to hold the trees and branches in place. The beavers choose materials that are strong and can withstand the force of water flowing through the dam.
8. How do beavers maintain their dams?
Beavers maintain their dams by continuously adding new materials and repairing any damage. They use mud and sticks to patch any holes or weak spots in the dam. The beavers also use their teeth to trim any excess branches or trees that may be blocking water flow.
9. What other animals benefit from beaver dams?
Beaver dams provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including fish, turtles, birds, and other mammals. The pond created by the dam provides a safe place for these animals to live and breed. Additionally, the dam can create wetland habitats, which are important for many species of plants and animals.
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