1. Birth:
- Beaver kits are born in the spring (usually April to June) after a gestation period of about 105 days.
- A litter typically consists of 2 to 4 kits, but can range from 1 to 8 kits.
- Kits are born blind and helpless and are nursed by their mother for several weeks.
2. Weaning and Growth:
- Beaver kits begin to eat solid foods around 2 months of age.
- They continue to grow rapidly and learn from their parents, such as constructing dams and lodges, foraging for food, and swimming.
3. Dispersal:
- Young beavers typically disperse from their natal colony at about 2 years of age to establish their own territories.
- They may travel considerable distances in search of suitable habitat.
4. Mating and Reproduction:
- Beavers reach sexual maturity at around 3 years of age.
- Mating typically occurs in the winter (January to March).
- Beavers are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds, which can last for life.
5. Dam Building and Lodge Construction:
- Once a beaver pair establishes a territory, they start constructing a dam to create a pond.
- The dam is built using branches, twigs, mud, and other materials.
- Beavers also build a lodge, which serves as their shelter, within the pond.
6. Food and Diet:
- Beavers are herbivorous and primarily feed on tree bark, aquatic plants, and leaves.
- They use their large, flat tails for swimming, steering, and storing fat reserves.
7. Hibernation (Optional):
- In some regions, beavers may enter a state of semi-hibernation during the colder months.
- They remain active but reduce their food intake and rely on stored fat reserves.
8. Continued Dam Building and Maintenance:
- Beavers continue to maintain and expand their dams throughout their lives.
- Their dams provide protection from predators and regulate water flow, creating a favorable habitat for themselves and other aquatic species.
9. Lifespan:
- Beavers have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years in the wild, although some may live for up to 20 years.
- They face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change, which can impact their population and survival.
It's important to note that the beaver life cycle can vary depending on the species (American beaver or Eurasian beaver) and the specific region they inhabit.