Which Animals Prey on Beavers?

The beaver is North America's largest rodent species. It is a mainly aquatic animal that lives most of its life in the water. When not swimming it tends to be in a den made of twigs and branches called a lodge that the animal builds in the water. The beaver's size and aquatic lifestyle keep it safe most of the time but it does sometimes fall prey to a number of North America's predators.

  1. Wolverine

    • The wolverine is the largest member of the weasel family. It grows to 44 inches, nose to tail, and weighs up to 40 lbs. It shares much of its home range with the beaver and favors similar woodland habitats, meaning the two come into contact. An adult beaver is slightly larger than a wolverine, but the tenacious predator has been known to attack weakened caribou. The wolverine mainly eats small prey like rabbits and rodents and would kill and eat young beavers or even adults if given the chance.

    Bobcats and Lynx

    • The bobcat and its cousin the lynx are both large North American wild cats. The cats are twice the size of a house cat. They grow to between 3 and 4 feet in length and weigh between 23 and 28 lbs. Both species are common in a range of habitats, including woodland areas where beavers can be found. Small mammals such as rabbits and rodents make up most of the cat's diet, but they will tackle prey larger than themselves. Using stalking and pouncing, the lynx and the bobcat can easily tackle a beaver.

    Fisher

    • The fisher is a large, ferocious member of the weasel family. It grows to 3 feet in length and weighs between 8 and 12 lbs. It ranges in northern U.S. and southern Canada, living in forested habitats. The animal is an omnivore and eats fruits, nuts and seeds as well as a vast array of animals. It is the only species with a specialized method to hunt porcupines. Its tenacity makes it an effective hunter that can kill young beavers or even weakened adults.

    Gray Wolves

    • The gray wolf grows to almost 7 feet, nose to tail, and weighs up to 130 lbs. It is one of North America's top predators and can hunt in packs or as individuals. The wolf is found in the far northern regions of the U.S. and Canada, sharing the same habitats as beavers. Wolves are opportunistic hunters and will tackle large game like elk and small mammals like rabbits. Beavers are common prey for the gray wolf.

    Humans

    • The trade in beaver pelts historically and also in the present day makes humans a predator of the animal. Humans trap and shoot beavers to skin them for their thick, waterproof pelts that are used to make fur coats. The effects of deforestation and pollution also caused by humans pose a threat to the animals as well.