Boy, the beavers are busy this year.  A growing population of the species around the state have left many irritated by the nuisance, and others interested in the semi-aquatic rodents with whom we share space.  There are two species of beaver in the world: the North American beaver and the Eurasian beaver. Although they are mostly similar in appearance, North American beavers tend to be larger, with rounded heads and wider tails. Here in Indiana, we are home to the North American beaver (Castor Canadensis), the largest rodent in the world. These beavers usually weigh between 45 and 60 pounds in full maturity, though some have been recorded of reaching up to 100 pounds. Like other rodents, the beaver's front teeth, known as incisors, continue to grow throughout its life. Remarkably, the backs of their incisors are softer than the fronts, ensuring that the teeth remain sharp as they constantly gnaw.

These industrious creatures possess front feet that are adept at various tasks such as digging, grooming, and carrying objects. Their large hind feet are webbed, enabling them to navigate through water with ease. A distinctive feature of beavers is the double or split second toenail on each hind foot, which functions as a grooming comb for their fur.

The beaver's most recognizable attribute is its flat tail, which serves multiple purposes. It acts as a rudder, propelling the beaver while swimming, and provides support when cutting trees. Additionally, when startled, the beaver smacks its tail on the water's surface, alerting others nearby of potential danger. These resourceful creatures can dive underwater to escape threats and remain submerged for up to six minutes.

Beavers are renowned as ecosystem engineers, shaping their environment to suit their needs. Their well-known activities include cutting trees, building dams, and creating lodges. In Indiana, most beavers construct modified bank burrows with tunnels leading from below water level to a nest chamber above water level. Beavers are known to be extraordinary builders, but sometimes, their construction activity can cause problems around residential or commercial areas. Not only can dams cause plumbing damages and flooding, it can also be an eyesore for a property. They also gnaw at tree trunks, which can be both unsightly and hazardous.

The beaver population in Indiana has expanded significantly over the years, with more than 8,000 miles of flowing water and numerous lakes and ponds now providing suitable habitats. Despite their territorial nature and small, isolated colonies, beavers have few natural predators, with humans being the primary threat. As a result, disease spread is uncommon and has minimal impact on population growth.

Beavers reach sexual maturity at around two years old, although most do not reproduce until they are at least three years old, especially females. Mating typically occurs in January or February, and after a gestation period of 107 days, beavers give birth to three or four kits. The young are weaned between six weeks and two months old. Juveniles stay with their family groups for two winters and assist in raising the following year's kits. Just before turning two years old, they disperse to find their own territories, often traveling between 10 and 60 miles.

As strict vegetarians, beavers have specific dietary preferences. During winter, they consume the roots and rhizomes of water lilies, as well as the bark and twigs of trees, particularly willow and aspen. Before winter arrives, beavers fell trees, clip branches, and store them underwater, ensuring a readily available food source when ice covers the water surface. In spring and summer, their diet consists of leafy parts and roots of aquatic plants, willow leaves and twigs, and occasionally young blackberry canes and nearby cornfields if available.

For those interested in observing beavers, their presence can often be detected by signs they leave behind. Look for distinctive chew marks on trees, large lodges constructed from sticks and mud, and dams built to slow down water flow. Beavers are known to relocate their dams and lodges annually, so their habitats may change. When approaching, listen for the sound of a beaver slapping its tail on the water as a warning signal. 

To manage beaver populations and address conflicts with human settlements, regulated trapping is permitted during a restricted season. Licensed trappers remove thousands of 

beavers annually, helping maintain population health and mitigate issues such as unwanted flooding. Property owners may also take action to protect their property from beaver damage, either by trapping the beavers themselves or contacting a licensed wild animal control operator. Relocation of beavers is challenging due to their territorial nature, and permits for removing beaver lodges or dams are subject to specific regulations and permissions.

Understanding the beaver's behavior, habitat, and management practices is crucial for coexisting with these fascinating creatures and preserving their natural environments.