Why Do Beavers Cut Down Trees?

Beavers use the trees they cut down for food, and they use the left over branches for building materials for their dams and lodges. In cold weather climates beavers are most active cutting down trees in the fall because they are preparing for the winter.

Do beavers actually eat wood?

Beavers, in fact, eat with their mouths closed behind the incisors. Beavers do not eat wood! In fact, they cut trees to form dams and lodges but eat the tree bark or the softer layers of wood underneath. ... These herbivores also eat leaves, woody stems and aquatic plants.

What time of day do beavers cut down trees?

To help them hide from predators such as bears, wolves and coyotes, beavers tend to do most of their business at night. Although you might see one occasionally during the day, a beaver usually stays in his den until the sun begins to set.