Beavers

The beaver (Castor canadensis) is a keystone species that greatly affects habitat structure and dynamics through the damming and diverting of streams, and the felling of trees and other woody vegetation. With the subsequent flooding and creation of habitable ponds, beavers help create an environment favorable to willows and aspens, their preferred winter foods. Because their habits tend to affect entire ecosystems, beavers are of particular interest to researchers and park managers. Beaver presence in Yellowstone has been documented only sporadically since the late 1800s when fur-trapping caused a sharp population decline throughout North America, but records indicate that a population has existed in the park continuously since then.

Report A Sighting of this species.