Do Beavers Hibernate? What They Do in Winter

When the cold winter weather arrives, some animals go into hibernation in order to survive the harsh conditions. While we often associate hibernation with creatures like bears, have you ever wondered whether beavers also hibernate? Let's dive into the wonderful world of beavers and find out their winter survival tactics.

Do Beavers Hibernate?

Beavers don't hibernate during the winter. In fact, they remain active all year long. However, their activity levels during the winter do differ from the warmer times of year. 

Building Lodges for Winter

Beavers are incredibly industrious. Renowned for their exceptional dam-building abilities, the dams they make also create ponds for their shelter. In these ponds, beavers build lodges to protect themselves from predators and provide a warm and secure place to raise their families.

The ponds and lodges beavers make don't just benefit the beavers themselves either, they have a positive knock-on effect for the environment too, which is why beavers are considered to be a keystone species.

What Do Beavers Do During the Winter?

During the winter, beavers become less active, and their metabolism slows down. They spend more time in their lodges, which provide insulation against the cold.

Beavers do not completely cease all activities, as they still need to venture out periodically to forage for food, check their dams, and ensure their lodges are well-maintained. However, their activity level is significantly reduced during the winter.

How Beavers Prepare for Winter

Preparation for winter is key for survival, and beavers are busy during the warmer months preparing for the cold season:

1. Stockpiling Food

In preparation for winter, beavers stockpile a cache of food underwater near their lodge. This cache typically consists of branches and logs from deciduous trees like aspen, willow, birch, and maple.

They strategically place these branches in the pond near the lodge's entrance, allowing them to access their food source without venturing too far from their warm shelter.

2. Eating More in the Fall

Beavers make the most of the plentiful supply of food during the fall by eating more, in order to build up their fat reserves for winter.

Whilst they vary in size, beavers' tails can measure up to 15 inches long and 6 inches wide, which makes them a good size for storing fat. The stored fat can be uses to help them survive during the winter.

3. Lodge Maintenance

As their lodges provide the shelter they need during the coldest months, beavers will spend time during the fall making any necessary repairs and maintenance to their homes.

Beavers don't hibernate, but they do have lower activity levels during the winter, spending more time in the warmth and safety of their lodges. These industrious creatures are busy during the fall, making a safe space to see them through the coldest period of the year. Show off your appreciation for these impressive architects with our Beaver clothing and merch!