Beaver Aggressiveness – Humane Wildlife Removal

Are Beavers Aggressive Animals?

With huge, sharp teeth that never stop growing and tails that can be heard smacking the water or ground, it’s no surprise that they invoke fear in some people. Don’t worry, there aren’t any reported man-eating beavers, and attacks on people are fairly rare. That’s not to say they aren’t dangerous; they can attack if they are provoked. In general, beavers are not aggressive animals.

Beavers Are Territorial

Beavers, like most animals, are protective of their territory. Whether it’s their dam, their lodge, or their kits. Usually, if they sense danger approaching, they’ll flee into the water. But if you get too close, they won’t hesitate to attack.

Before they attack, there are a few signs to look out for. A beaver calls out when surprised, nervous, or on the edge of aggression. This is your sign to flee, and you’ll know it when you hear it.

Beaver Attacks

Beavers rarely attack people, usually choosing to flee when given the option. However, when they do attack, it’s rarely fatal. They do have incredibly large, sharp teeth that can cause serious bleeding. Don’t take an attack lightly, seek medical attention immediately.

You should also be careful when swimming near a dam. Underwater beaver attacks have been reported. Since you are invading their territory and the water may not be clear, it’s not easy to know if an aggressive beaver is swimming below you.

This isn’t to say that beavers don’t attack other animals. You should be wary of your pets. Dogs are generally fairly curious, which can be a fatal mistake for them when approaching a beaver. Always keep your dog on a leash when in an area where there are beavers, just to be safe.

Rate of Beaver Attacks

The rate of beaver attacks is on the rise, as more developments intrude on their territory. The more neighborhoods we build on land that is inhabited by beavers and other wildlife, the more likely it is you’ll have a negative interaction with them.

It’s easy to think these creatures are more of a nuisance than anything, but the truth is that they were present before us. We need to respect their territory instead of provoking them. This is the best way to avoid a beaver attack. They are generally not aggressive creatures, but every animal has its breaking point.