Reproduction and Family Structure

A mated pair of beaver will live together for many years, sometimes for life.

Beavers breed between January and March, and litters of one to eight kits (average four) are produced between April and June. The number of kits is related to the amount of food available (more food, more kits), and the female’s age.

The female nurses the kits until they are weaned at 10 to 12 weeks of age.

Most kits remain with the adults until they are almost two years old. (Some leave at 11 months and a few females may stay until they are three years of age.) The kits then go off on their own in search of mates and suitable spots to begin colonies, which may be several miles away.

Beavers live in colonies that may contain 2 to 12 individuals. The colony is usually made up of the adult breeding pair, the kits of the year, and kits of the previous year or years.

Populations are limited by habitat availability, and the density will not exceed one colony per ½ mile under the best of conditions

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

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