Canada's national animal — and one of its most powerful ecosystem engineers.
The Animal
The beaver is Canada's national animal and one of the most ecologically significant mammals on the continent. As a keystone species, beavers create and maintain wetland habitats that support extraordinary biodiversity — their dams raise water tables, filter water, reduce erosion, and create habitat for hundreds of species. Found in every province and territory, beavers are increasingly moving into urban and suburban waterways as wetland habitats are restored and protected.
Why Conflict Happens
Beaver conflict is almost entirely property-based. Beaver dams flood roads, agricultural fields, basements, and infrastructure. Beavers fell ornamental trees, damage landscaping, and block culverts. In urban settings, their activity can cause significant and costly flooding. The challenge is that beavers are protected under provincial wildlife acts in most jurisdictions, making lethal control difficult and often requiring permits.
Guidance by Audience
🏠 Homeowners & Property Owners
- →Install a flow device (beaver deceiver or pond leveller) — a pipe through the dam that maintains water at a tolerable level without removing the dam. This is the most effective long-term solution.
- →Wrap individual trees with hardware cloth or heavy wire mesh to prevent felling.
- →Contact your municipal public works department if beaver activity is flooding roads or public infrastructure.
- →Do not remove dams without checking local regulations — permits may be required.
- →Coexistence is almost always cheaper and more effective than repeated dam removal.
Other Species in the Guide
