Beavers can seem cute, but they can also pose a danger to people. Although they are usually timid creatures, they can be fairly territorial and have a nasty bite. Beavers, while seemingly cute, can be a danger to children or pets if threatened.
Beaver Territory
Beavers tend to live near riverbeds and streams. They are well-known for building their dams. Beavers are important for maintaining the environment by controlling the flow of streams and rivers. Their dams help to create wetlands. These dams are built as a defense to predators, such as wolves. They also use their dams as shelter for the winter. Beavers tend to protect the area surrounding their dam and will mark their territories with their urine, like many mammals. They may get aggressive if they detect an unfamiliar scent in their territory, such as a dog’s urine.
Beavers Can Bite Hard
Beavers that become aggressive will generally slap their tails to try to scare off potential threats. If that does not scare it off, they may bite. Beavers are rodents with powerful teeth that can allow them to gnaw through trees. Their teeth withstand daily chewing through tough tree trunks. A beaver’s bite force is more than double that of the average human, as well. Their bite can be painful, and they are known to carry rabies, as well as other diseases. They tend to carry many waterborne bacterial infections, such as giardia.
Protecting Pets From Beaver Encounters
Pets should not roam unsupervised. Keep animals on leashes when outdoors. Make sure that your pet’s rabies shots are up to date. If your pet is bitten by a beaver, move them away from the animal. Clean the wound with soap and warm water. Then, take them to the vet as soon as possible to be treated for rabies and other potential diseases.
Children and Beaver Bites
Children are more likely to be bitten by a wild animal than adults. Kids should be supervised when outdoors. Teach your children to respect animals from a distance, and to not provoke them. If your child is bitten by a beaver, wash the wound with soap and warm water. Then, visit a hospital or clinic for treatment.
Humane Beaver Removal
Beavers, although they can be dangerous, are important to the ecosystem. Humane removal is essential to keeping these important animals safe and away from humans. If you have a beaver living on your property, call New York/New Jersey Wildlife Removal, Inc. for safe exclusion of beavers.