Animal identifier ยท Other mammals
Castor canadensis
Streams and ponds across most of North America where water and trees meet. Hind track is a large webbed foot, 5 to 6 inches.
What does a north american beaver look like?
Brown, flat scaly tail, webbed hind feet.
What do north american beaver tracks look like?
Look for the webbed hind print and the tail drag in mud. Front prints are much smaller and often faint.
- Hind track is a large webbed foot, 5 to 6 inches
- Front track is a small five-fingered hand
- Tail drag is a wide smooth groove between the prints
- Cut stems with cone-shaped tooth marks
- Webbed hind foot and flat tail if seen
What does north american beaver poop look like?
Sawdust-like pellets, usually left in the water, so they are rarely the clue. Chewed sticks are the better sign. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Streams and ponds across most of North America where water and trees meet. Typical places: wetland, woods. Year-round. Tracks in mud at dams and slides.
What to do next
- Do not break a dam on a whim. Flooding and neighbors are involved.
- Call the local wildlife office if a dam threatens a road
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Raccoon identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
What do beaver tracks look like?
A large webbed hind foot, a small front hand, and often a wide tail drag in the mud.
How to tell a north american beaver from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Raccoon. Five fingers. Gray body, black mask, ringed tail.
North American beaver field marks
- Hind track is a large webbed foot, 5 to 6 inches
- Front track is a small five-fingered hand
- Tail drag is a wide smooth groove between the prints
- Cut stems with cone-shaped tooth marks
Where the sign shows up
Streams and ponds across most of North America where water and trees meet. Typical places: wetland, woods. Year-round. Tracks in mud at dams and slides.
Look for the webbed hind print and the tail drag in mud. Front prints are much smaller and often faint. Sawdust-like pellets, usually left in the water, so they are rarely the clue. Chewed sticks are the better sign.
Common questions
What do beaver tracks look like?
A large webbed hind foot, a small front hand, and often a wide tail drag in the mud.