Quick Reference

**Scientific Name***Castor canadensis*
**Classification**Mammalia / Rodentia / Castoridae
**Size**30-70 lbs; 35-46 inches total length (including tail)
**Color**Dark brown to reddish-brown waterproof fur
**Tail**Flat, paddle-shaped, scaly, 9-13 inches long
**Lifespan**10-15 years in the wild
**Diet**Herbivore: bark, leaves, aquatic vegetation, woody stems
**Active Season**Year-round; primarily nocturnal and crepuscular
**Oklahoma Status**Furbearer, regulated by ODWC
**Common in OKC Metro**Yes, along all major waterways and tributaries
**Alpha Pest Services****We do not trap or remove beavers. Contact ODWC: (405) 521-3851**

[Image: North American beaver on a muddy creek bank near felled trees. Caption: “The North American beaver is Oklahoma’s largest rodent. Their dam-building activity along OKC metro waterways can cause significant flooding and tree damage on adjacent residential properties.”]

If you own property near a creek, river, or lake in the Oklahoma City metro area, there is a reasonable chance you will encounter beaver activity at some point. The North American beaver is found along waterways throughout Oklahoma, and their dam-building, tree-felling, and flooding behaviors can create serious property concerns for homeowners. From Mustang Creek in the Yukon and Mustang area to the Canadian River near Norman, from Choctaw Creek to the tributaries feeding Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser, beavers are active across the metro wherever water flows year-round.

Alpha Pest Solutions does not trap, remove, or relocate beavers. Beavers are classified as furbearers in Oklahoma and are regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Trapping beavers requires a license, and dam removal may require permits. We built this page because we receive regular inquiries from homeowners dealing with beaver damage, and we want to provide accurate, Oklahoma-specific information and direct you to the right resources. If you are dealing with beaver activity on your property, contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851 or visit wildlifedepartment.com.

For wildlife species that Alpha Pest Solutions does handle, including raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, and bats, visit our wildlife control service page or call (405) 977-0678.

Identifying Beavers in Oklahoma

The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is the largest rodent in North America and the second-largest rodent in the world, behind only the South American capybara. Identifying a beaver is straightforward once you know what to look for, though most homeowners notice the damage long before they see the animal.

Physical Characteristics

Large, stocky body. Adult beavers in Oklahoma typically weigh between 30 and 60 pounds, with some individuals exceeding 70 pounds. Body length ranges from 25 to 32 inches, not including the tail. They are roughly the size of a medium dog, though their low, compact build makes them appear smaller when seen from a distance on the water.

Flat, paddle-shaped tail. The beaver’s tail is its most recognizable feature. Measuring 9 to 13 inches long and 4 to 6 inches wide, the tail is flat, oval, scaly, and nearly hairless. Beavers use it as a rudder while swimming, as a prop when standing upright to gnaw trees, as a fat storage organ for winter energy reserves, and as a warning signal by slapping it loudly on the water surface to alert other beavers of danger.

Dark brown waterproof fur. Beaver fur consists of two layers: a dense, soft underfur that traps air for insulation and buoyancy, and longer, coarser guard hairs that shed water. Color ranges from dark brown to reddish-brown, sometimes appearing nearly black when wet. This double-layered fur keeps beavers warm in cold water year-round.

Large, orange incisors. Beaver front teeth are large, curved, and distinctly orange. The orange color comes from iron-rich enamel on the front surface, which is harder than the softer dentine on the back. This causes the teeth to self-sharpen into a chisel edge as the beaver gnaws. Beaver teeth grow continuously throughout life, and constant gnawing on wood keeps them worn to a functional length.

Webbed hind feet. The rear feet are large and fully webbed between all five toes, making beavers powerful swimmers. Front feet are smaller, unwebbed, and surprisingly dexterous. Beavers use their front paws to carry mud, sticks, and food with impressive precision.

Small eyes and ears. Both are small and set high on the head, allowing the beaver to see and hear while most of its body remains submerged. Beavers have a transparent third eyelid (nictitating membrane) that protects their eyes underwater, and both the ears and nostrils have valves that close automatically when the beaver dives.

Castor glands. Beavers possess specialized scent glands called castor sacs near the base of the tail. They deposit castoreum (a musky, oily substance) on mud mounds along their territory to mark boundaries. If you notice small mounds of mud with a strong, musky odor along a creek bank, beaver are likely establishing or maintaining territory.

Beaver Behavior and Biology

Understanding how beavers live and work helps explain why they cause the property damage they do. Beavers are not acting randomly. Every behavior, from dam building to tree felling, serves a specific survival purpose.

Dam Building

Beavers build dams to create deep, still water that provides safety from predators, access to food, and a stable environment for their lodge. The sound of running water is the primary trigger for dam construction. Beavers will attempt to dam any water source where they can hear flowing water, including culverts, drainage ditches, and stormwater channels.

Dam materials. Dams are constructed from branches, logs, mud, rocks, and any available debris. Beavers are opportunistic builders and will incorporate fence posts, irrigation pipe, landscaping timbers, and other human-made materials into their dams.

Dam size. Most beaver dams in the OKC metro area span 15 to 50 feet, though dams on larger creeks can exceed 100 feet. Dams are typically 3 to 6 feet tall, but the resulting water backup can flood areas far larger than the dam itself.

Constant maintenance. Beavers maintain their dams continuously. If water finds a path through or around the dam, beavers will detect the sound of running water and repair the breach, often within a single night. This is why simply punching a hole in a beaver dam is rarely effective. The beavers will repair it before the next morning.

Lodge Construction

Lodge design. Beaver lodges are dome-shaped structures built from sticks, branches, and mud. The walls can be several feet thick and are remarkably strong. The interior contains a dry living chamber above the water line, accessible only through underwater entrances. This design protects beavers from predators including coyotes, bobcats, and domestic dogs.

Bank dens. In areas with steep banks, particularly along larger rivers like the Canadian River, beavers may dig bank dens instead of building freestanding lodges. These are tunnels dug into the bank with underwater entrances. Bank dens can undermine roadways, driveways, and other structures built near the waterway.

Tree Felling

Why beavers cut trees. Beavers fell trees for two purposes: food (inner bark, cambium, leaves, and small twigs) and construction material (branches and logs for dams and lodges). A beaver does not eat the entire tree. It eats the bark and cambium from branches and smaller limbs, then may use the remaining wood for construction.

Cutting speed. A single beaver can fell a tree 4 to 6 inches in diameter in under 30 minutes. Larger trees (12 inches or more) may take several nights of work. Beavers typically cut trees within 100 feet of water, though they will travel up to 300 feet from the water’s edge to reach preferred species.

Preferred trees in Oklahoma. Beavers have strong preferences for certain tree species:

  • Cottonwood (highly preferred, abundant along Oklahoma waterways)
  • Willow (highly preferred, common along creeks and rivers)
  • Sweet gum
  • Maple
  • Sycamore
  • Elm
  • Pecan (homeowners in the OKC metro are particularly upset about pecan tree damage)
  • Fruit trees near waterways

Beavers generally avoid cedar, pine, and other conifers, though they will gnaw on almost anything when preferred food is scarce.

Nocturnal Activity

Beavers are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Most tree cutting, dam building, and foraging occurs between dusk and dawn. This is why property owners often wake up to find a large tree felled overnight with no prior warning. During winter months when days are short, beavers may extend their activity into late afternoon and early morning hours.

Social Structure

Beavers live in family groups called colonies, typically consisting of an adult breeding pair, the current year’s kits (young), and yearlings from the previous year. A colony usually contains 4 to 8 individuals. Yearlings leave the colony at approximately two years of age to establish their own territory, which is when homeowners along creeks and rivers may notice new beaver activity appearing on their property.

Reproduction

Beavers mate in January and February in Oklahoma. Females give birth to 2 to 6 kits (typically 3 to 4) in April or May after a gestation period of approximately 105 days. Kits are born fully furred, with open eyes, and can swim within hours of birth. They remain with the family colony for two years before dispersing. This means a single colony can steadily grow and a new generation disperses into new territory every year.

Signs of Beaver Activity on Your Property

You are far more likely to spot beaver activity signs than the beaver itself. Here is what to look for on properties near waterways in the OKC metro.

Gnawed and Felled Trees

The most obvious sign. Beavers leave distinctive marks on trees:

  • Conical stumps. When a beaver fells a tree, the remaining stump has a distinctive cone or hourglass shape, pointed at the top, created by the beaver gnawing around the trunk in a narrowing pattern. This shape is unmistakable and unlike any storm or wind damage.
  • Wood chip piles. Large accumulations of fresh wood chips around the base of gnawed trees. The chips are coarse and irregular, not fine like sawdust.
  • Tooth marks. Wide, parallel grooves in the wood, roughly 1/4 inch wide, left by the beaver’s large incisors. These marks are visible on stumps, on partially gnawed trunks, and on branches stripped of bark.
  • Girdled trees. Some trees are partially gnawed around the circumference but not felled. This girdling kills the tree by cutting off nutrient flow, even if the tree remains standing.

Dams

Beaver dams across creeks, drainage channels, or culvert openings are obvious when present. Look for accumulations of sticks, logs, mud, and debris spanning a waterway, with noticeably higher water levels on the upstream side. Even small dams can raise water levels significantly and flood areas that have never flooded before.

Lodges

Dome-shaped mounds of sticks and mud in or at the edge of ponds or widened creek areas. Lodges are typically 6 to 10 feet in diameter and 3 to 5 feet above the water surface. Active lodges will have fresh mud and green branches visible on the surface. Inactive or abandoned lodges appear weathered and gray.

Slides

Muddy, worn paths leading from the water up the bank to tree-cutting areas. These slides are typically 12 to 20 inches wide and are kept slick by the beaver’s wet body and tail. Slides are often the first sign of beaver activity that homeowners notice, since they create obvious bare paths through bankside vegetation.

Scent Mounds

Small mounds of mud (4 to 8 inches tall) placed along the water’s edge or on top of the dam. Beavers deposit castoreum on these mounds to mark territory. Fresh scent mounds have a strong, musky odor that is noticeable from several feet away.

Flooding and Water Level Changes

If a low-lying area on your property near a creek has begun holding water where it did not before, or if water levels in a creek or pond have risen noticeably, beaver dam activity upstream is a likely cause. Check the waterway for dam structures.

Food Caches

In late fall, beavers create underwater food caches by anchoring branches and small logs in the mud near their lodge entrance. These food stores sustain the colony through winter. A visible pile of fresh-cut branches submerged or partially submerged near a bank or lodge indicates an active colony preparing for winter.

Property Damage from Beavers

Beaver activity can cause substantial and sometimes costly property damage, particularly on parcels adjacent to waterways. Understanding the types of damage helps you assess the situation and communicate effectively with wildlife management professionals.

Tree Damage and Loss

  • Landscape trees. Beavers can fell ornamental and shade trees that took decades to grow. A single beaver can remove multiple trees per week.
  • Pecan trees. In central Oklahoma, pecan trees are both valuable and attractive to beavers. The loss of a mature pecan tree represents both aesthetic and economic damage.
  • Riparian buffer loss. When beavers remove trees from creek banks, it accelerates erosion, destabilizes the bank, and can cause the waterway channel to shift over time.

Flooding

  • Residential flooding. Dam construction on creeks and drainage channels can raise water levels enough to flood yards, outbuildings, basements, and crawl spaces on adjacent properties.
  • Road and driveway flooding. Dams built near road crossings and culverts can cause water to overtop roads or undermine road surfaces.
  • Septic system damage. Rising water tables from beaver-created ponds can interfere with septic system drain fields, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas of the OKC metro.

Infrastructure Damage

  • Blocked culverts. Beavers frequently dam culvert pipes, which are designed to allow water to flow under roads and driveways. A blocked culvert can cause rapid flooding on the upstream side.
  • Undermined roads and driveways. Bank dens and burrowing activity near roadways can create voids beneath the road surface, leading to sinkholes and pavement collapse.
  • Erosion. When dams are removed (naturally or by humans), the sudden release of impounded water can cause severe downstream erosion.

Agricultural Impact

In rural portions of the OKC metro and surrounding areas, beavers can flood pastureland, damage irrigation systems, and kill trees in orchards and timber stands.

Beavers in the OKC Metro Area

Beavers are present along virtually every permanent waterway in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. If your property borders a creek, river, pond, or lake, beaver activity is a possibility. Here are areas where beaver activity is most commonly reported.

Mustang Creek (Yukon and Mustang)

Mustang Creek and its tributaries run through residential neighborhoods in Yukon and Mustang. Beaver colonies are well established along this corridor, and homeowners in these areas frequently report tree damage, small dam construction, and flooding of low-lying yards.

Canadian River Corridor (Norman and South OKC)

The Canadian River and its tributaries support beaver populations throughout the Norman area and south Oklahoma City. Properties along the river and its feeder creeks are most affected. Bank dens are more common than lodges along the Canadian due to the river’s size and fluctuating water levels.

Choctaw Creek (Choctaw and East OKC)

Choctaw Creek and its branches flow through residential and semi-rural areas in Choctaw and eastern Oklahoma City. Beaver activity along this drainage has increased in recent years as suburban development has pushed into areas where beavers were already established.

Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser Tributaries

The creeks and drainage channels feeding Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser pass through established neighborhoods in northwest and west Oklahoma City. Beaver activity along these tributaries can affect properties miles from the lakes themselves.

Deer Creek (Edmond and North OKC)

Deer Creek runs through Edmond and northern Oklahoma City, passing through both developed and developing areas. Beaver colonies along Deer Creek and its feeder streams are a recurring source of tree damage and localized flooding complaints.

General Pattern

Beavers follow water. Any permanent or semi-permanent waterway in the metro area, including creeks, rivers, ponds, stormwater detention basins, and even large drainage ditches, can support beaver activity. New colonies establish regularly as two-year-old beavers disperse from their birth colony to find new territory.

Legal Status of Beavers in Oklahoma

Beavers are classified as furbearers under Oklahoma law, regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). This classification has specific legal implications for property owners.

Trapping Regulations

  • Trapping license required. It is illegal to trap beavers in Oklahoma without a valid trapping license issued by ODWC. This applies even on your own property.
  • Season restrictions. Beaver trapping is allowed during the designated furbearer trapping season, which generally runs from late November through mid-March. Outside of season, special permits may be required.
  • Trap type regulations. Oklahoma law specifies which trap types are legal for beaver and where they may be set. Body-gripping (conibear) traps and foothold traps are regulated by size and placement requirements.

Dam Removal

  • Permits may be required. Removing a beaver dam that is located on a navigable waterway or within a floodplain may require permits from state or federal agencies. Unauthorized dam removal that causes downstream flooding or erosion can create legal liability.
  • US Army Corps of Engineers. Dams on waterways subject to federal jurisdiction may require Clean Water Act permits before removal. This applies to many creeks and rivers in the OKC metro area.
  • Unintended consequences. Removing a dam without trapping the beavers first is almost always futile. Beavers will rebuild the dam, often within days. Effective dam removal must be coordinated with population management.

Depredation Permits

Property owners experiencing significant damage from beavers can contact ODWC about depredation permits that allow trapping outside the normal season. ODWC can also provide guidance on finding licensed wildlife trappers in the OKC metro area.

Contact ODWC

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Phone: (405) 521-3851

Website: wildlifedepartment.com

Protecting Your Property from Beaver Damage

While Alpha Pest Solutions does not handle beaver issues directly, we want to share prevention strategies that Oklahoma property owners can implement to protect trees and reduce damage while working with the appropriate wildlife management authorities.

Tree Protection

Hardware cloth wrapping. The most effective way to protect individual trees from beaver damage is to wrap the trunk with hardware cloth (welded wire mesh) or galvanized wire fencing.

  • Use 2×2-inch or 2×4-inch welded wire mesh (hardware cloth)
  • Wrap the trunk from ground level to a height of at least 3 feet (beavers can reach higher when standing on snow or ice, so 4 feet is better in areas with winter accumulation)
  • Leave 2 to 3 inches of space between the wire and the bark to allow the tree to grow
  • Secure the wrap with wire ties, not directly against the bark
  • Check wraps annually and adjust as the tree grows

Fencing around groups of trees. For orchards, groves, or clusters of valuable trees near water, a fence of welded wire mesh (at least 4 feet tall) around the perimeter is more practical than wrapping individual trunks. Bury the bottom edge 6 inches into the ground to prevent beavers from pushing underneath.

Sand and paint deterrent. A mixture of coarse sand and exterior latex paint applied to tree trunks at beaver-gnawing height (ground level to 3 feet) has shown some effectiveness as a texture-based deterrent. The gritty surface discourages gnawing. This is not as reliable as physical barriers but can supplement other measures on lower-priority trees.

Flow Devices for Dam Management

Pond levelers and beaver deceivers. Flow devices are pipe systems installed through beaver dams that maintain water levels at a height acceptable to both the beaver and the property owner. These devices work by allowing water to flow through the dam silently, so the beaver does not detect the water movement and does not attempt to block it.

  • Pond levelers are PVC pipes installed through an existing dam with a protective cage on the upstream end to prevent the beaver from blocking the pipe entrance
  • Beaver deceivers (also called Clemson beaver pond levelers) combine fencing and pipe systems at culvert crossings to prevent beavers from damming the culvert while still allowing water flow

Flow devices are typically installed by wildlife management professionals or trained volunteers. ODWC can provide guidance on flow device installation and may have information on local installers.

Culvert Protection

If beavers are damming culverts on or near your property:

  • Culvert guards. Heavy-gauge wire mesh or fencing installed around the culvert opening, extending several feet upstream, prevents beavers from packing material into the pipe entrance. The guard must be large enough that the beaver cannot simply dam around it.
  • Report to your municipality. Culvert maintenance on public roads is the responsibility of the city, county, or ODOT. Report blocked culverts promptly to prevent road flooding and damage.

Landscape Planning

If you are landscaping a property near a waterway where beavers are active:

  • Choose less-preferred species. Plant conifers (cedar, pine) and other species beavers tend to avoid rather than cottonwood, willow, or other preferred deciduous species
  • Set back plantings. Plant valuable trees at least 100 feet from the water’s edge when possible. Beavers rarely travel more than 100 feet from water for food.
  • Protect new plantings. Young trees are particularly vulnerable. Wrap or fence any new tree planted within 200 feet of an active beaver waterway.

Ecological Importance of Beavers

While this page focuses on property damage concerns, it is important to understand that beavers play a critical ecological role in Oklahoma’s waterway systems. The same behaviors that cause property damage also create significant environmental benefits.

Wetland Creation

Beaver dams create ponds and wetlands that support enormous biodiversity. These wetland habitats provide breeding habitat for amphibians, nesting sites for waterfowl, and feeding areas for herons, egrets, and other wading birds. Oklahoma has lost the majority of its historical wetland habitat, and beaver-created wetlands are among the most productive remaining examples.

Water Quality Improvement

Beaver ponds act as natural settling basins. Sediment carried by flowing water drops out in the still water behind the dam, which reduces downstream sedimentation and improves water clarity. The wetland vegetation that grows in beaver ponds also filters nutrients and pollutants from the water.

Groundwater Recharge

The ponds created behind beaver dams slow water movement and allow it to percolate into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies. This is particularly valuable in Oklahoma, where groundwater depletion is a growing concern.

Flood Mitigation

Paradoxically, while beaver dams can cause localized flooding on adjacent properties, they also reduce downstream flood peaks by storing water during heavy rain events and releasing it slowly. Beaver dam systems along a creek can significantly reduce the height and speed of floodwaters downstream.

Erosion Control

Beaver ponds reduce stream velocity, which reduces bank erosion. The root systems of wetland plants that colonize beaver ponds further stabilize banks and channel edges.

The ecological benefits of beavers are one reason that ODWC manages them carefully rather than allowing unrestricted removal. The goal of beaver management in Oklahoma is to balance property protection with the retention of beaver populations in appropriate habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are beavers rodents?

Yes. The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is a rodent and is, in fact, the largest rodent in North America. Adult beavers in Oklahoma typically weigh 30 to 60 pounds, with some exceeding 70 pounds. Like all rodents, beavers have continuously growing incisors that they must wear down through constant gnawing.

Can I trap a beaver on my own property without a license?

No. Beavers are classified as furbearers in Oklahoma, and trapping them requires a valid trapping license from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) regardless of whether you are on your own property. Contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851 for guidance on obtaining a trapping license or finding a licensed trapper in your area.

Will Alpha Pest Solutions remove beavers from my property?

No. Alpha Pest Solutions does not trap, remove, or relocate beavers. Beaver management is regulated by ODWC and requires specialized licensing. We provide this educational page because we receive regular inquiries about beaver damage. For beaver issues, contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851. For wildlife species we do handle (raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, bats, and more), call us at (405) 977-0678 or visit our wildlife control page.

What other wildlife does Alpha Pest handle?

Alpha Pest Solutions provides professional wildlife control for many species found in the OKC metro area, including raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, bats, and birds. We also handle moles and gophers, which are common on waterway-adjacent properties where beavers are also present. Visit our wildlife control service page or our rodent control service page for details, or call (405) 977-0678.

How can I tell if a beaver cut down a tree or if it fell from a storm?

Beaver-felled trees have an unmistakable conical or hourglass-shaped stump with visible tooth marks (wide, parallel grooves roughly 1/4 inch wide). Wood chips will be scattered around the base. Storm-damaged trees show irregular, splintered breaks rather than the clean, gnawed surfaces beavers leave behind.

What time of day are beavers most active?

Beavers are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Most tree cutting and dam building occurs between dusk and dawn. This is why homeowners often wake up to find trees felled overnight with no prior warning. You may occasionally see beavers during daylight hours, particularly in early morning or late evening, but daytime sightings are relatively uncommon.

Do beavers hibernate in winter?

No. Beavers are active year-round in Oklahoma. They do not hibernate. During winter, they rely on underwater food caches (branches and logs stored near the lodge entrance in autumn) and continue to maintain their dam and lodge. Beaver activity may be less visible during winter because they spend more time in the lodge or under ice, but they remain fully active.

How fast can a beaver cut down a tree?

A single beaver can fell a tree 4 to 6 inches in diameter in under 30 minutes. Larger trees may take several nights of intermittent gnawing. A mature cottonwood tree 12 inches in diameter or larger might take a beaver a week or more of nighttime work, but the beaver will return to the same tree each night until it comes down.

Are beavers dangerous to people or pets?

Beavers are generally not aggressive toward people or pets, but they will defend themselves if cornered or threatened. A beaver bite can be extremely serious due to the size and sharpness of their incisors. Dogs that chase beavers into water are at particular risk, as beavers are powerful swimmers and can injure or drown a dog in deep water. Keep dogs leashed near waterways where beavers are active.

Can I remove a beaver dam on my property?

Removing a beaver dam may require permits depending on the waterway’s classification and jurisdiction. Dams on navigable waterways or within federally regulated floodplains may fall under US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction. Additionally, removing a dam without first addressing the beaver population is ineffective because beavers will rebuild the dam, often within days. Contact ODWC for guidance before removing any beaver dam.

How many beavers typically live together?

Beavers live in family groups called colonies. A typical colony consists of an adult breeding pair, the current year’s kits (2 to 6 young, born in spring), and yearlings from the previous year. Most colonies contain 4 to 8 individuals. A single dam and lodge system usually supports one colony.

What do beavers eat?

Beavers are herbivores. Their primary food is the inner bark (cambium) of trees, along with leaves, twigs, and aquatic vegetation. In Oklahoma, they strongly prefer cottonwood and willow bark. During spring and summer, they also eat significant quantities of aquatic plants, grasses, and herbaceous vegetation. In autumn, they cache branches underwater near their lodge to sustain the colony through winter.

Why are beaver teeth orange?

The orange color of beaver incisors comes from iron compounds in the tooth enamel. This iron-enriched enamel on the front surface of the tooth is harder than the dentine on the back surface. As the beaver gnaws, the softer back wears faster than the hard front, creating a self-sharpening chisel edge. This is why beaver incisors stay razor-sharp despite constant use.

Will a beaver dam flood my house?

It depends on your property’s elevation relative to the waterway and the size of the dam. Beaver dams on small creeks adjacent to residential properties can raise water levels by several feet, which may be enough to flood yards, outbuildings, crawl spaces, and low-lying areas. If you notice rising water levels on a creek near your property, inspect upstream for dam construction and contact ODWC promptly.

How far from water will beavers travel to cut trees?

Beavers typically cut trees within 100 feet of the water’s edge. They may travel up to 300 feet from water to reach preferred tree species, but this is less common and occurs primarily when closer food sources have been exhausted. If you have valuable trees within 100 feet of a waterway where beavers are active, those trees are at risk and should be protected with hardware cloth wrapping.

What is the difference between a beaver and a muskrat?

Both are semi-aquatic rodents found in Oklahoma waterways, but they differ significantly in size and appearance. Beavers weigh 30 to 70 pounds with a flat, paddle-shaped tail. Muskrats weigh only 2 to 4 pounds with a thin, rat-like tail that is vertically flattened. Muskrats do not build dams or fell trees. If you are seeing a large animal with a flat tail near a dam made of sticks, that is a beaver. If you are seeing a small, swimming rodent about the size of a large rat, that is likely a muskrat.

Can beavers damage my pond or stock tank?

Yes. Beavers can burrow into earthen pond dams, which can weaken the dam structure and potentially cause a breach. They may also dam the outflow or spillway of a pond, raising water levels beyond the designed capacity. Rural and semi-rural properties in the OKC metro with stock ponds are particularly susceptible. If you notice beaver activity on a pond with an earthen dam, address it promptly through ODWC before the dam structure is compromised.

Are beavers protected in Oklahoma?

Beavers are classified as furbearers, not protected or endangered species. They are managed and regulated by ODWC, which sets annual trapping seasons and bag limits. They can be legally trapped during season with a valid license, and out-of-season trapping may be authorized through depredation permits when significant property damage is occurring. Contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851 for current regulations.

When to Contact ODWC

Contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation if you are experiencing any of the following beaver-related issues:

  • Trees being felled or girdled on your property near waterways
  • New dam construction on a creek, ditch, or culvert on or near your property
  • Flooding of your property caused by beaver dam activity
  • Undermining of roads, driveways, or structures by beaver burrowing
  • Blocked culverts or drainage infrastructure
  • Any situation where you believe beaver trapping or dam removal is necessary

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Phone: (405) 521-3851

Website: wildlifedepartment.com

ODWC can advise on the legal requirements for your specific situation and connect you with licensed wildlife trappers operating in the OKC metro area.

Other Pests Common on Waterway-Adjacent Properties

Properties near creeks, rivers, and ponds often deal with multiple wildlife and pest issues beyond beavers. Alpha Pest Solutions handles many of these. If you are dealing with any of the following on your property, call (405) 977-0678 for a free inspection.

  • Raccoons frequently forage along waterways and are common on the same properties where beavers are active
  • Opossums are found throughout OKC metro waterway corridors and often den in yards near creeks
  • Moles thrive in the moist, insect-rich soil found along waterways and are one of the most common co-occurring pest issues on beaver-adjacent properties
  • Gophers also favor the loose, moist soils found near creeks and rivers in the OKC metro
  • Rodent control for mice and rats, which are attracted to the same waterway habitats

Contact Alpha Pest Solutions

Alpha Pest Solutions does not handle beaver trapping or removal. For beaver issues, contact ODWC at (405) 521-3851.

For all other pest and wildlife control needs in the Oklahoma City metro area, including raccoons, opossums, moles, gophers, rodents, and dozens of insect species, Alpha Pest Solutions is here to help.

Call or text: (405) 977-0678

We serve Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Midwest City, Yukon, Mustang, Del City, Bethany, Choctaw, Nichols Hills, The Village, and surrounding communities.

View our wildlife control services to see which species we handle, or visit our full pest library for identification guides on over 90 Oklahoma pests.