Beavers are the largest rodent native to the United States. They are skilled engineers with the ability to change the environment around them to suit their needs. While their engineering feats can provide various benefits to native plants and animals, they can also be a source of damage. Beavers can flood roads, crop fields, and timber stands when they dam up streams. Beavers can also damage trees by gnawing on them or toppling them over to use as building materials for their dams and lodges. Where flowing water exists in South Carolina, beavers are usually not far away. Management of beavers can require lethal methods, but there are ways to live alongside them without removing them.
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Fast Facts
- Beavers don't just use trees to build dams and lodges; they also eat the inner bark of trees. They often eat trees in the winter in the absence of other food.
- Beavers produce castoreum in their castor glands that they use for scent marking. These glands were sought after to use in perfume and even as a food additive.
- Beavers often reach weights of 40 pounds, but some individuals exceed weights of 60 pounds.
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General Info
Learn more about Beavers and their history in South Carolina.
Why Are Beavers A Problem
Learn about the damage caused by beavers and the impacts of this damage in South Carolina.
Management Options
Learn about a variety of techniques that can be used to reduce the damage caused by beavers.
Research
Learn about research conducted through Clemson University to help better understand beavers in South Carolina.
Diseases Carried By Beavers
Learn about diseases carried by beavers and how to reduce the risk of contracting a disease.
