Normal Population
03-02-2002, 08:57 AM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 2,059
Normal Population
I let a trapper set up on my property after beavers clearcut the aspens on one side of my cattail swamp. The portion of swamp on my property in that area is only about 20 acres but the trapper took 6 large beavers last fall and he said he'll set back up in March to get some more. Is this a lot of beavers from such a small area? I was expecting 1 or 2 from the number of lodges in the area.
Dan O.
Edited by - dan o. on 03/02/2002 20:32:53
Dan O.
Edited by - dan o. on 03/02/2002 20:32:53
03-02-2002, 06:01 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 1,665
RE: Normal Population
With abundant food and no real competition, beavers can breed fairly rapidly. I've heard of beavers wandering long distances as well looking for new areas, so the population could very well stay steady in your area.
I've seen 3 beavers in one area before, one was very large, the other two big, but noticeably smaller, so it is probably all in the family unit.
I'm sure the trapper appreciates the opportunity to trap on your land.
I've seen 3 beavers in one area before, one was very large, the other two big, but noticeably smaller, so it is probably all in the family unit.
I'm sure the trapper appreciates the opportunity to trap on your land.
03-03-2002, 01:28 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cottonwood CA USA
Posts: 78
RE: Normal Population
The average litter size for beaver is two to four kits.These kits will stay with the family unit for about two to three years until they become sexually mature,then the adult beaver will drive them out of their(the adults)territory.(Natures way of stopping inbreeding)These beaver then have to go out and establish their own territory.Beaver are extreamly territoral and will vigoriously defend their chosen areas.Depending on the available food supply, this factor determines the size of a given territory.
