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Beaver in Iowa

Beaver in Iowa

Castor canadensis

Beaver in Iowa — Quick Overview

There are 296 recorded sightings of Beaver in Iowa, with 21 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in February through May.

When to See Beaver in Iowa

Most often reported in February through May.

Monthly sightings distribution for Beaver in Iowa
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January11No
February20Yes
March51Yes
April46Yes
May17Yes
June0No
July0No
August14No
September13No
October36No
November45No
December25No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how Beaver sightings in Iowa compare to other North American hubs:

The largest rodent in North America has glossy brown fur, webbed hind feet, orange incisors and a broad, flat, scaly tail. It builds dams and domed lodges that turn streams into ponds. Bark, twigs and aquatic plants are its food. It is native across Canada, the United States and northern Mexico, and has been introduced to Patagonia and Finland. Watch still water at dusk for a V-shaped wake, and listen for the sharp slap of a tail on the surface.

Other Wildlife to Look for in Iowa

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see a Beaver in Iowa?

Beaver is most often reported in Iowa in February through May, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.

Where can I see a Beaver in Iowa?

There are 296 documented Beaver records in Iowa. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.

How can I find Beaver sightings near me in Iowa?

Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in Iowa.