What animal does the beaver compete with for food and space?

Beavers compete with a variety of animals for food and space, but the most common and notable competitor is the American elk (also called wapiti). Here's why:

* Diet overlap: Both beavers and elk are herbivores, and they both heavily rely on willow, aspen, and other deciduous trees for food.

* Habitat preference: Both species prefer areas with abundant water and dense vegetation, often leading to habitat overlap.

* Competition for resources: The presence of one species can negatively impact the other's access to food and shelter. For example, elk grazing can deplete the vegetation that beavers rely on, and beaver dams can flood areas that elk use for grazing.

Other animals that beavers might compete with for food and space include:

* Deer: Deer also graze on willow and aspen trees, making them potential competitors with beavers.

* Moose: Like elk, moose prefer areas with abundant water and vegetation, potentially leading to competition with beavers.

* Other rodents: Beavers may compete with other rodent species like muskrats and voles for access to certain food sources.

However, the American elk is often considered the primary competitor for beavers due to their shared diet, habitat preferences, and the potential for significant impact on each other's populations.