Beavers are present in Indiana. These rodents have made a remarkable return to the state, re-establishing their presence in waterways. Their re-emergence follows a period when their populations were nearly eradicated. Beavers now play an active role in shaping Indiana’s aquatic environments.
Beavers are Back in Indiana
Beavers were once abundant, but by the mid-19th century, they had been hunted and trapped to local extinction, largely due to the demand for their fur. Reintroduction efforts began in 1935, with breeding pairs acquired from Wisconsin and Michigan. These animals were initially released into areas such as the Jasper-Pulaski and Kankakee state game preserves. Their populations expanded significantly, aided by strategic relocations to various parts of the state. By 1986, beavers were recorded in 43 of Indiana’s counties, and today, they are found in nearly every county.
Where to Find Beavers in Indiana
Beavers inhabit areas with slow-moving water, wetlands, and ample woody vegetation. These environments provide the necessary resources for building their dams and lodges. Common locations include oxbows, sloughs, and bottomland areas, such as those found at Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area. Rivers and streams, particularly the Ohio, Wabash, and Kankakee River systems, are frequently utilized habitats. Water impoundments created by surface coal mining in southwestern Indiana also support beaver populations.
Beaver Engineering and Ecosystem Role
Beavers are recognized for their ability to alter their environment through the construction of dams and lodges, creating ponds and wetlands that foster increased biodiversity. These newly formed habitats attract a variety of wildlife, including amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects. Beaver-created wetlands also contribute to improved water quality by acting as natural filtration systems, trapping sediment and pollutants. These structures slow water flow, which can aid in replenishing groundwater reserves and help mitigate drought and flooding. However, the altered water levels caused by beaver dams can sometimes lead to localized flooding, potentially damaging human infrastructure and property.
Coexisting with Indiana Beavers
Signs of beaver activity, such as chewed trees, dams, and lodges, indicate their presence. When beavers cause problems, landowners can contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) or licensed wild animal control operators for assistance. Relocation of beavers is challenging, but non-lethal deterrents are available. These methods include:
Installing perimeter fencing
Using motion-triggered sprinklers
Planting vegetation unpalatable to beavers
Deploying flow devices, also known as “beaver deceivers,” to manage water levels without removing the animals
Beavers are classified as furbearers in Indiana and are subject to regulated trapping seasons, typically from mid-November to mid-March. If beavers damage property, landowners may take them without a permit during the closed season, provided the action is reported to a conservation officer within 72 hours.