Wildlife

Beaver in Acadia National Park

Wildlife
Beaver

These engineering marvels dam streams with uncanny precision, creating wetlands that support entire ecosystems. Spotting one requires patience and early-morning or dusk commitment, but watching a beaver at work—felling trees, dragging branches, maintaining their lodge—reveals nature's most industrious architect.

Quick facts

Scientific Name
Castor canadensis
Species Type
Mammal
Identifying Features
Large stocky rodent (30–70 lbs) with glossy dark-brown fur, flat paddle-shaped tail, prominent orange incisors, webbed hind feet, and small ears. Largest North American rodent after porcupine.

Species profile

Scientific Name
Castor canadensis
Species Type
Mammal
Identifying Features
Large stocky rodent (30–70 lbs) with glossy dark-brown fur, flat paddle-shaped tail, prominent orange incisors, webbed hind feet, and small ears. Largest North American rodent after porcupine.

Where & when to look

Where To See
Freshwater ponds and lakes including Eagle Lake, Echo Lake, Jordan Pond, and Long Pond. Look for dams, lodges (cone-shaped mounds of sticks), and freshly gnawed trees along shorelines.

Wildlife safety

Safety Precautions
Maintain 25-yard distance. Never approach lodges, dams, or active beavers. Do not feed. Observe quietly and patiently; sudden movements or noise will send them underwater. Keep children close in wetland areas.

Bald Eagle

This white-headed beauty hunts Acadia's waters year-round. Grab binoculars at dawn for the best show!

Black Bear

Powerful & wild! Black bears command 100 yards. Respect their space.

Bobcat

Elusive forest hunter with a killer instinct for rabbits and mice!

Coyote

Sharp-witted hunters with a legendary howl. Spot them at dusk in Acadia's brush and woods.

Golden Eagle

Master hunters ruling the Acadia skies with incredible speed and power.

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Sources

  • YourNPGuide Editorial

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.