Mountain Beaver Public Health Concerns

Mountain beavers are not considered a significant source of any infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals. Anyone handling a living or dead mountain beaver should wear rubber gloves, and wash his or her hands well when finished. Although the largest flea (Hystrichopsylla schefferi) in the world—it is up to ¼ inch long—is found on mountain beavers and in their burrows, it does not bother humans.

This information is provided by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Russell Link, and Michael Holmquist

Click here to return to the home page