Beaver Reproduction

Beaver reproduction follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with breeding typically occurring in late winter, between January and February. Beavers are monogamous animals, meaning that they usually mate for life. The gestation period lasts around 105 to 107 days, and females give birth to a litter of 1 to 6 kits, with the average litter size being 2 to 4. The birth takes place in the safety of the beaver lodge during late spring, typically in May or June, when the environment is more favorable for raising young.

Newborn kits are born fully furred and with their eyes open, making them relatively well-developed compared to other mammals. They begin swimming within a few hours of birth and are nursed by their mother for the first few weeks. Both parents are highly involved in raising the kits, teaching them essential survival skills like swimming, foraging, and building. The kits remain in the family unit for about two years before they venture off to establish their own territories. During this time, they help maintain the family’s dam and lodge, gaining valuable experience. This strong family structure and parental involvement are key to the survival and success of beaver populations, as young beavers must learn complex skills to thrive in the wild.