Natural movements of beavers in southeastern Idaho

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Leege, Thomas A.

Source:

Journal of Wildlife Management, The Wildlife Society, Volume 32, Issue 4, p.973-976 (1968)

Call Number:

A68LEE01IDUS

Keywords:

Castor canadensis, North American beaver

Abstract:

One hundred and ninety-two beavers (Castor canadensis) were livetrapped and tagged in order to determine the origin of troublesome beavers on private lands. Data from 87 retrapped animals showed that 19 had moved at least 1 mile in 7- to 28-month periods and the 19 moves averaged 5.3 airline miles. An adult male moved 11.3 miles, the longest recorded. Of the limited sample, the yearling age-class, and the males of all age groups, showed the greatest migration tendencies. Evidence from one colony indicated that some beavers have an innate tendency to leave their home colony when about 2 years old, rather than being driven off by their parents. The common migration pattern was from high elevation public land to private holdings downstream where beaver structures caused flooding of crops, pastures, and roads, and the interruption of irrigation and stock-watering systems.