FACTS ABOUT BEAVERS

The beaver population in Georgia is thriving and reports of destructive activity are on the rise.  It is not advised to approach a beaver unless you are experienced with dealing with them.  They can be extremely aggressive in defending their territory or if they feel trapped or threatened.  Beavers can cause serious injury, so it is best to have a professional handle them.

Beavers are characterized as North America's largest rodent.  They are large semi-aquatic animals living throughout the state of Georgia near lakes, streams, creeks, and rivers.  The most recognized feature is their broad flat tail.  They use this tail as a rudder in the water and as a warning device by slapping the tail on the water.  Their front feet are used for dredging mud, constructing dams, and moving materials for dens.  Beaver incisor teeth never stop growing, so they must chew to reduce the length of the incisor.  Beavers are herbivores (plant-eaters).  A beaver's diet consists of wood from trees and local vegetation.  Preferred foods are sweet gum, ash, willows, poplar, cottonwoods, pines, and fruit trees.  No tree is safe when a beaver is hungry.