Feeding Habits of Beaver in Newfoundland

Abstract

The Newfoundland beaver Castor canadensis caecator has flourished in an area that lacks abundant supplies of those plant species normally considered to be preferred food. Aspects of the utilization of vegetation by beavers are described on the basis of field studies conducted during periods of 1961, 1962 and 1963 in three areas of the province. Where aspen Populus tremuloides occurs, always in small amounts, it is soon utilized completely. Alders Alnus rugosa and A. crispa are the most important plants, being the chief winter food and the major building material. Aquatic vegetation, particularly the water lilies Nuphar variegatum and N. microphyllum, is the major constituent of the summer diet.