In preparation for winter, beavers begin gathering and storing food during the summer and fall. They primarily feed on aquatic plants, tree bark, and twigs from nearby trees. To access the bark and twigs, beavers will carefully fell trees, using their sharp front teeth.
Once the trees are felled, beavers transport the branches back to their ponds and lodges. They create underwater food caches by submerging the branches in the water. This not only preserves the food but also prevents it from freezing. Beavers can retrieve these stored branches throughout the winter when they need to feed.
In addition to their underwater food caches, beavers may also construct special structures called "food caches" on land. These are typically located near their lodges and contain additional supplies of branches and bark for quick access during the cold winter months.
Some beaver populations in colder regions may also consume other food sources, such as fish, mussels, and even tree buds. However, aquatic plants and tree bark remain their primary diet.
Overall, beavers rely on their resourcefulness and strategic food storage behaviors to survive the winter and maintain their energy levels until the warmer months return.