European Beaver

Castor fiber

  1. Wildlife
  2. Mammals
  3. European Beaver

About

European Beavers were once a common sight across the UK. But about 400 years ago, when Elizabethan rule was sending quests across the world, the last native Beaver disappeared from our countryside. Hunted to extinction in Britain for their highly-prized soft, thick and waterproof fur, they managed to cling on only in remote parts of Europe.

How to identify

Beavers have dense, brown or even black fur. They are stocky animals with small ears and eyes and a characteristically flattened, broad and scaly tail.

Where to find it

Only present in the wild in Argyll, Scotland.

Habitats

When to find it

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • Novermber
  • December
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September

How can people help

The Beaver is back! In May 2009, Scotland

Join us

Protect local wildlife

Species information

Common name
European Beaver
Latin name
Castor fiber
Category
Mammals
Statistics
Length: up to 1m plus a tail of 30cm Weight: 18g Average lifespan: 7-8 years
Conservation status
Extinct in Britain until 2009. No further British classification as yet.