Beavers
Quick Key Points
- Beavers are more active above ground from spring to fall.
- Always keep a safe distance from beavers and do not attempt to get close to feed them or take photos.
- Beaver dams positively impact the environment and should not be deconstructed. Read more about this below!
What Are Beavers?
Most people recognize the beaver as a Canadian symbol, but did you know it is also a keystone species? Beavers are extremely beneficial to the environment and their dams have a positive impact to the ecosystem by creating new aquatic habitat for fish, amphibians and birds, and by raising the water table through damming, preventing erosion, controlling flooding and helping purify the water.
Aquatic ecosystems can become stressed when there are long-lasting extreme heat temperatures. At times, the Sturgeon River water level can be very low, and we have our beavers to thank for creating dams along the river where fish can take refuge from the heat in deeper waters. This gives fish a greater chance of survival and is why it is so important not to deconstruct the dams.
Beavers and You
During the spring season, it is more likely to run into beavers when visiting a park or trail. As with any wildlife, it is important to keep a safe distance and not attempt to get close to the beaver to feed it or take photos. Beavers need space so they can contribute to a healthy ecosystem for the Sturgeon River.
Did You Know?
The water behind a beaver dam is slow and the sediment it carries can settle out, leaving cleaner water for fish. This can also reduce bank erosion.
Slower water means fish spend less energy foraging, and the higher populations of invertebrates in dammed areas means there is more food available for fish.
Beaver dams allow water to pool and infiltrate into the ground which helps alleviate dry conditions during drought periods. Research has shown that for every 2 gallons of water that is stored behind a dam, 10 gallons are stored in the ground. This groundwater can slowly release during droughts, helping the flow of the water and reducing the temperature because groundwater is typically cooler.
Integrated Pest Management Plan
St. Albert developed Beaver Management Guidelines in 2006 with input from residents and the Environmental Advisory Committee. The guidelines are part of the Integrated Pest Management Plan and outline the balanced approach of coexisting with beavers while addressing flooding control, infrastructure integrity, native tree and shrub assets, and public safety on City-owned lands.
The information on this page just scratches the surface on what there is to know about the benefits of beavers! Learn more by visiting workingwithbeavers.ca
Wild About Wildlife Information Session
The City of St. Albert and Sturgeon County presented a “Wild About Wildlife” info session on March 20, 2024 on the importance of beavers and coexisting with them. Riparian Specialist Kerri O’Shaughnessy was the special guest who discussed human-beaver coexistence, measures to prevent conflict and how beavers can benefit humans through periods of drought. Watch The Video Below! Related Pages
Last edited: March 5, 2025