Last updated: July 17, 2024
Thing to Do
Beavers
NPS photo
Castor canadensis
The North American beaver is the second largest rodent in the world behind the Capybara of South America. Found throughout the U.S. and Canada, these semiaquatic ecosystem engineers construct dams and lodges that affect the hydrology and ecology of their surroundings. As a keystone species, their presence in riparian habitats affects many neighboring animal and plant species.
The North American beaver is the second largest rodent in the world behind the Capybara of South America. Found throughout the U.S. and Canada, these semiaquatic ecosystem engineers construct dams and lodges that affect the hydrology and ecology of their surroundings. As a keystone species, their presence in riparian habitats affects many neighboring animal and plant species.
Details
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Various Locations
Lower McDonald Creek, seen from the Camas Road Bridge, and around Two Medicine Lake are two busy spots for beavers. In general, beavers are typically seen along brushy streams and ponds during dawn and dusk. They can also be seen swimming or clambering along the bank to gnaw at trees and willows. They make a distinctive alarm sound by slapping their tail on the water before submerging to seek safety.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Although beavers are active year-round, they typically stay in their lodges during the winter unless retrieving stored food from under the water.
Time of Day
Dawn, Dusk
Beavers are primarily crepuscular, active during dawn and dusk, and nocturnal creatures.
Accessibility Information
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.