SciShow Explains How and Why Beavers Build Dams

Hank Green from SciShow explains how and why beavers build dams and what happens when a beaver’s dam springs a leak in their latest episode, “Dam Fun Facts About Beavers

Beavers go through all the trouble of dam-building primarily for defense…By surrounding themselves with deep water, beavers can protect their dens from predators like wolves and wild cats, while creating a habitat that supports the aquatic plants they like most, like cattails, willows, pondweed and aspen…Research has shown that little gaps intentionally created in a beaver dam will cause the members of a colony to drop everything to repair it, regardless of whatever else needs to be done. Scientists — a little evil — have even played audio recordings of running water near beaver sites, and have returned in the morning to find the speakers covered with sticks and mud.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.