The 11 Surprising Animals That Eat Beavers and How They Hunt Them

Did you know that beavers are often mistaken for river otters and minks? Despite their similarities in appearance, beavers differ significantly in their dietary habits. Unlike their carnivorous counterparts, beavers are peaceful herbivores that spend their time floating on water, building dams, or munching on trees. But every animal has its predators, and beavers are no exception.

While adult beavers are less vulnerable to predators due to their size and strength, baby beavers have a greater chance of falling victim to carnivorous animals such as otters, wolverines, foxes, snakes, hawks, and owls. Despite this, beavers have a remarkable ability to hide and evade their predators, making them one of the most elusive species in the animal kingdom.

Here is a list of Animals That Eat Beavers in the wild:

1. Wolves

Wolves, known for their hunting prowess, are often seen in packs taking down larger prey. However, when wolves are lone and hungry, they may turn to easier prey to supplement their nutrition. Enter beavers. While North American and Eurasian beavers are not always at the top of the wolf’s hunting list, these rodents are indeed susceptible to wolf attacks.

Wolves are faster than beavers and know how to injure them to immobilize or kill them on the spot. It’s not uncommon for wolves to be responsible for the mass killing of kits following their parents. A new study even shows that wolf packs can use a unique hunting strategy to ambush the beavers by cutting off their access to water, showing once again that these fierce predators are incredibly adaptive.

2. Coyotes

In North America, beavers are not exempt from being hunted by predators. The gray wolf is often seen as the main culprit, but it turns out that coyotes have a knack for hunting these cute, aquatic rodents as well. They may be smaller in size, but their acute sense of smell and keen vision allows them to spot beavers from a distance. With speeds reaching up to 40 miles an hour, chasing down these unsuspecting prey becomes a breeze for the cunning coyote.

However, their hunting abilities are limited to land, and they can only take down the beavers during the summer and fall when the rodents are gathering food for the winter. The circle of life and death continues in the animal kingdom, and we can only continue to marvel at the natural instincts and remarkable abilities of these predators.

3. Bears

Bears and beavers might encounter each other in wetland areas where both species can find resources. Beavers are well-known for building dams and lodges in wetland environments, which can provide them with a reliable habitat. Bears, particularly species like black bears, are known to forage in these areas for various food sources, including fish, berries, and other small animals like beavers.

It’s worth noting that while bears might eat beavers on occasion, their diet is much more diverse and includes a range of other food items. The interaction between these two species is just one example of the complex relationships that exist within ecosystems.

4. Otters

Otters are fascinating animals that share a lot in common with beavers. Both are semi-aquatic, thriving in watery environments. And while otters feed on fish, they have a peaceful relationship with their larger-toothed neighbors. River otters can often be found stationed around beaver ponds, taking advantage of the dams that keep fish contained.

Although they are carnivorous, adult beavers are, for the most part, too big to prey on, so they can coexist quite comfortably. However, otters have been known to invade lodges, putting beaver kits at risk. This is because otters will sometimes kill and eat baby beavers if the fish supply drops. 

5. Wolverines

Wolverines may not be as well-known as other animals in the weasel family, but they certainly hold their own as voracious predators. Found in colder climates throughout the US and Canada, these creatures primarily prey on rabbits and other land rodents, but they are also known to scavenge for larger animals like elk or deer when food is scarce.

Interestingly, wolverines have been known to cross paths with beavers, even though their habitats are different. And while beavers and otters are often looked upon as cute and cuddly creatures, wolverines are unapologetic predators who will not hesitate to hunt and eat them if given the opportunity. It’s all just part of the circle of life!

6. Mountain lions

Mountain lions may not be as well-known as other animals in the weasel family, but they certainly hold their own as voracious predators. Found in colder climates throughout the US and Canada, these creatures primarily prey on rabbits and other land rodents, but they are also known to scavenge for larger animals like elk or deer when food is scarce.

Interestingly, Mountain lions have been known to cross paths with beavers, even though their habitats are different. And while beavers and otters are often looked upon as cute and cuddly creatures, wolverines are unapologetic predators who will not hesitate to hunt and eat them if given the opportunity. It’s all just part of the circle of life!

7. Wild cats

Beavers are not the only ones with a taste for wild cat cuisine. Although often associated with the mountain lion, Eurasian beavers face a range of feline predators including the elusive lynx and the opportunistic bobcat.

These big cats are not only able to follow their prey in the water but even have the ability to sleep on the same trees the beavers have decided to cut. This makes beavers an easy target for these stealthy predators. It’s a reminder of the interdependence of species and the ongoing cycle of life and death in the wilderness.

8. Foxes

Beavers are known for their impressive ability to construct dams and canals, but they also have their fair share of predators. One unexpected foe is the red fox, a creature not commonly associated with preying on rodents. Though wolves and coyotes might attack larger herbivores in packs, foxes prefer to work alone.

Their method of hunting might not be as coordinated, but that doesn’t make them any less of a threat to the beaver population. Surprisingly, the red fox specifically seems to have a taste for the beaver. It makes sense: compared to the fox, the beaver is smaller and slower on land. This makes it a particularly easy target for a wily animal like the red fox. So while beavers may be talented engineers, they still need to look out for their furred, four-legged foes.

9. Hawks

The life of a beaver is far from easy, what with their constant toil and persistence to build their impressive dams and lodges. However, their struggles don’t end there. Apart from terrestrial predators, beavers also face air-bound threats in the form of hawks, those fearless birds of prey that hunt small animals with ease. With their incredible eyesight and aerial capabilities, hawks have no problem spotting the unsuspecting beaver from high above. And unfortunately, both adults and baby beavers are not safe from the sharp talons of these skilled hunters. 

10. Owls

Beavers may be known for their busy daytime activities, but they are actually creatures of the night. As a result, they’re often stalked by their nocturnal counterparts – owls. Owls are famous for their sharp vision and keen hearing, tools that help them detect beavers from up high. These birds of prey are experts in their craft, using their natural abilities to catch their prey both on land and in water. With their efficient hunting strategies and opportunistic nature, it’s no wonder why owls are one of the most feared predators in the animal kingdom.

11. Scavenger species

Even after a beaver has passed away and is no longer an active member of the ecosystem, its body still plays a role in supporting other living creatures. When it comes to scavengers in search of a leftover meal, vultures, ravens, and wolverines are first on the list. These animals will readily feed on the carcass of a beaver, taking advantage of the ample source of nourishment.

However, it’s not just scavengers that find appeal in a dead beaver- predators like foxes, coyotes, and wolves will also take advantage of the opportunity to feed on carrion, especially if their regular food sources are scarce.  Therefore even in death, a beaver proves to be an essential part of the ecosystem, providing nourishment to a diverse array of scavengers and predators alike.

Are Beavers Endangered?

Beavers are not currently considered an endangered species, but they have had a rough history. Most areas now protect beavers as furbearers, no longer allowing them to be hunted or trapped for their fur, and shooting them is illegal without a license. However, those who do harvest beavers consider them to be one of the most palatable fur-bearing animals.

It’s important to remember that beavers play a significant role in wetland restoration. Wetlands provide homes for a vast array of species, from terrestrial animals to birds, amphibians, and fish. Without wetlands, wildlife habitats suffer. This is why it’s critical to reintroduce beavers to areas where they used to live. If you’re dealing with beavers on your land, rather than shoot or trap them, consider contacting a sanctuary to relocate them.  

Beaver Food Chain

Food chains consist of five hierarchical tiers. The initial tier comprises plants, acting as primary energy producers. The next level encompasses primary consumers, which are herbivorous organisms. These primary consumers consume plants, thereby supplying nourishment to the subsequent levels known as secondary and tertiary consumers (which are the third and fourth trophic levels, respectively).

The secondary consumers subsist on herbivores, yet they typically abstain from preying on other carnivorous animals. This group encompasses diminutive carnivores such as foxes. Despite their avoidance of larger predator hunting, these creatures may adopt scavenging behaviors and ingest animal carcasses. Secondary consumers hold the role of predators, but they also serve as prey for more sizable carnivores.

Tertiary consumers, occupying a higher tier, comprise substantial carnivores that feed on both primary consumers and secondary consumers. They, in turn, become targets for apex predators.

The pinnacle of the trophic chain is composed of apex predators, which constitute the fifth and ultimate level. These creatures lack any natural predators and capture animals spanning all preceding tiers. Remarkable examples within this category encompass bears, feral cats, wolves, eagles, and alligators.

Beavers, functioning as herbivores, take the role of primary consumers within this ecosystem. Their diet primarily consists of plants, rendering them vulnerable as prey for carnivores spanning all levels of the food chain.

FAQs

What are beavers’ biggest predators?

Beavers face several predators in their natural environment. Among the notable ones are wolves, which can take down beavers, particularly when other prey is scarce. Coyotes also pose a threat, especially to younger or weaker beavers. Bears, both black bears and grizzly bears, have the strength to capture and consume beavers.

Similarly, bobcats and mountain lions may target beavers as a food source. Historically, humans have been significant predators of beavers for their fur and resources, although conservation efforts and legal protections have reduced this impact. The presence of these predators can vary by location and habitat, and human activities can further influence their dynamics.

Do beavers fight predators?

Beavers don’t usually engage in direct fights with predators. Instead, they rely on their lodge and dam constructions for protection, as well as their territorial behavior. They emit warning signals by slapping their tails on the water’s surface and using their keen senses to detect danger.

Living in family groups helps them defend against threats collectively, and they’re adept at escaping by diving underwater and swimming away. Their size, strong teeth, and dense fur provide passive defense, making it challenging for some predators to overpower them. Beavers have evolved a range of strategies to avoid or deter predators, utilizing their environment and adaptations effectively.

Do beavers eat meat?

Beavers are primarily herbivores, which means they primarily consume plant-based foods. They have a diet that mainly consists of bark, leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants. However, there have been rare instances where beavers have been observed consuming animal matter, including small fish or insects. These observations are not common and are considered exceptions rather than a regular part of their diet.

Final Words 

After reading our article on what eats beavers, we hope you have gained a newfound appreciation for these fascinating creatures. Despite being prey to a variety of predators, beavers help to maintain and restore wetland habitats, making them crucial species in our ecosystem.

One of the fascinating things about beavers is their aquatic lifestyle which allows them to evade most terrestrial carnivores. While beavers may seem like an easy target, they are truly resilient and resourceful animals. We hope you continue to learn more about these unique creatures and their important role in our environment.

Reference:

• https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/2005jrnat4.pdf
• https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/beaver-fact-sheet 
• http://friendsofmerrymeetingbay.org/mmb/nathist/Mammals/beaverm.htm