Bogs as Beaver Habitat in North-Central Minnesota

In a 100-km2area surveyed for beaver activity, one-third of the active colonies were in bogs and two-thirds were in lakes and rivers. From 1979 to 1981, the percent of colonies in bogs increased from 29% to 36%. Of 481 bogs in the study area, 200 (42%) had current or previous history of beaver activity (colony sites and work areas). At 101 bogs (21%), dam construction in seepage zones created flowages. Most impoundments were built at brushy minerotrophic sites. Moats were used at 99 bogs (21%), where beavers preferred sedge-moss cover and avoided tall shrub and wooded cover. The results show that bogs are suitable habitat for beavers.