Beavers can make a home anywhere with enough trees and a permanent water supply. They build dams to flood their chosen location, making the area more habitable for themselves. Ponds can be beneficial to an area as they create wetland habitat that other wildlife can use as a place to feed, nest or rest. Beaver ponds slow water flow, which reduces soil erosion and allows sediment to settle. Beavers are primarily nocturnal, meaning most of their feeding and working happens at night. They don't have many predators and normally live up to ten years.
In developing and maintaining their habitat, beavers may remove and damage trees, block watercourses and cause excessive flooding.
In Red Deer County, if beavers are causing flooding of roads due to blockage of culverts, bridges etc, please contact Operation Services at 403-350-2163.
More information from the Government of Alberta
More information (PDF)