Beavers

Beavers in Seattle

Did you know beavers are actually the largest rodent in North America? Identifying a beaver is fairly easy. Their primary damage occurs on wetlands and is a result of their constantly growing teeth (like their smaller relatives, mice). Beaver damage to trees (and the resulting destruction of lumber) is the biggest issue and call we receive regarding beavers in Seattle. Like many wildlife critters, beavers can actually be quite crucial to the environment on their own by providing habitat for species that live in wetland. However, beavers can present a danger to humans when their damage leads to flooding.

What Do Beavers Look Like?

Beavers are covered in brown fur that varies in color from black and reddish to yellow-tinted. An average beaver is around 3 feet long and weighs anywhere between 20-75 pounds. Beavers' tails are flat and wide. The hind feet of beavers are clawed and webbed, but their front feet are not webbed. Beavers have instantly recognizable front teeth, small ears, black and beady eyes, and pointed snouts.

*Seattle also deals with rodents known as mountain beavers, which are smaller than beavers but actually not all that closely related.

Where Do Beavers Live?

The North American beaver can be found throughout most of the United States and Canada, as well as the northern regions of Mexico. Beavers usually need ponds in order to survive and thrive, as the bodies of water provide safety and a source of food for the oversized rodent. This is why beavers dam rivers—in order to stop the flow of water. When beavers create dams, the result is varied ecosystems that provide perfect living conditions for various species of waterfowl and insects, as well as beavers. Beavers are also found in large lakes and rivers.

Beaver Entry

Do beavers get into homes or yards?
Beavers are always found quite close to water sources, as water is pivotal to the rodent's survival. Seattle properties close to bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, and ponds, are at most risk of beaver damage. Homeowners shouldn't be concerned about beavers getting into their homes.

Beaver Damage

Are beavers a physical threat to humans? Will beavers damage my yard?
Beavers have been known to attack humans, but it is fairly rare and often occurs when the beaver feels threatened, their territory is threatened, or if they are rabid. Although beavers have the most impact on property near water sources, the damage caused by beaver dams can affect entire communities. Beaver damming can cause flooding, downed trees, and other plant damage—all serious and costly problems for King County area residents. Take a look at this successful local beaver trapping by our team below!

Beaver Control & Safety

Homeowners who wish to retain certain trees and landscaping would benefit from covering the base of these plants with wire mesh, which has proven successful in repelling beavers and discouraging them from chewing. Do not attempt to touch beavers as they can bite if they feel threatened. If flooding becomes a concern on your Seattle area property, contact the professional beaver removal specialists at Critter Control of Greater Seattle, who have access to unique and effective solutions, including water-level control devices.

Trapping & Removing Beavers

Trapping is best left to the beaver trapping professionals at Critter Control of Seattle. Having years of successful beaver trapping experience, our technicians have the knowledge and removal tools to get rid of beavers quickly and permanently. Professional beaver removal, if done correctly, can prevent future infestations and prevent danger to you and the beavers.

Trust the team at Critter Control of Seattle to keep beavers off your property. Call Critter Control of Seattle today!