In 2014 we saw our first kit on May 20th and didn’t even realize it was a baby until Heidi
saw the photo and told us. This year we were better prepared and around mid May began
watching for kits. On April 29th while watching a Beaver groom we were able to identify the mother Beaver by it’s teats. This is the only time when it is possible to identify female vs male Beavers visually.
We had previously seen one of the Beavers eating Fennel on April 30th which helps with lactating.We noticed a little more food being taken back to the lodge, as well as grass for bedding
On May 26th we saw our first kit of the year.
The pond went wild
May 29th River Otter on log. We have seen the Otter within 20 feet of the kits but no issues so far.
May 30th first time observed kit and parent together
June 2nd Beaver pulling branch to lodge to take inside
June 3rd first time saw two kits at once (up to then were only sure was one kit)
June 5th two adults at the top of the pond. We have been surprised how little supervision the kits get from the adults so far.
Beaver lodge with people lodge in the background
June 6th two kits next to lodge. So far the kits stick within aprox 30 feet of the lodge
Kit eating creeping water primrose (Ludwigiapeploides peploides)
June 10th, notice how the kit is very bouyant aprox a third of it’s body is above water
June 11th two kits eating together
The end
One comment on “Napa Beaver Pond’s last few weeks have been exciting and scary”
heidi08
June 13, 2015 at 5:57 amWhat a great photo study! Thanks Rusty for keeping us up to date on the Napa beavers. I’m thinking a story board poster would be a great display at the festival for Tulocay pond!