Biota of Lakes and Reservoirs - Hydro-Environmental Analysis: Freshwater Environments - page 444

15.4.2.5 Beavers
Similarly, beavers are a native species, common in many areas of the United States and Canada
before European settlement of North America. With extensive trapping, beavers were expatriated
from many areas and later reintroduced. Currently, they occupy much of their former range (Baker
and Hill 2003).
The beaver is North America's largest rodent, weighing up to 60 lb. and measuring 25-30 in.
long. Due largely to their habit of creating dams, beavers can cause considerable damage, includ-
ing timber damage, destruction of reservoir dams, and looding. As a result, they are considered
pest species in many areas and many states either provide or allow for bounties (e.g., Alabama,
Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) (Figure 15.33).

15.4.2.6 Nutria
Unlike the beaver, the nutria is a nonindigenous species (Figure 15.34). Originally introduced for
their fur, they have established localized breeding populations in a number of states (Figure 15.35).

FIGURE 15.33

Beaver. (From Ohio Department of Natural Resources.)

FIGURE 15.34 Nutria. (From Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.)