The beaver (Castor canadensis) population at Acadia National Park
Baird JC. 1964. The beaver (Castor canadensis) population at Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park
From the summary: "The beaver population is approaching the saturation point within the Park. There are about 180 to 210 beaver here, and this constitutes a high density of beaver relative to the available habitat. The two main factors affecting the population will be reviewed here. Food availability is the most limiting factor with regard to the beaver population at Acadia National Park. Succession, past utilization by beaver, and limitations due to conflicting land usage combine to restrict the amount of food present. As these factors continue to influence the food supply, the carrying capacity will be reduced accordingly. The topographical characteristics of the island are unfavorable for beaver activity. The mountainous terrain and the adjacent ocean result in numerous small brooks with high gradients flowing a short distance to the sea. Many water courses do not flow through a flood plain, and thus sites are limited. In view of the present status of the beaver population the formulation of a biologically sound and practical management plan is most desirable for the Park. Beaver damage and preventive maintenance expenses must be curtailed. We must be aware of the benefits to be derived from beaver activity and their role in the wildlife picture; however, their activity must be controlled and channeled into specific areas, so that we may obtain the most desirable results from their presence."
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Baird, John
- Date of Issue
- 1964
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Aunt Betseys Brook, Aunt Betty Pond, Beaver (Castor canadensis), Beaver (Castoridae), Beaver Dam Pond, Blackwoods Campground, Breakneck Brook, Breakneck Ponds, Canon Brook, China Hill, Distribution, Duck Pond, Eagle Lake, Fawn Pond, Gilmore Meadow, Great Meadow, Hales Pond, Halfmoon Pond, Heath Brook, Hodgdon Pond, Jordan Pond, Jordan Stream, Kitteredge Brook, Lake Wood, Little Harbor Brook, Little Round Pond, Long Pond, Mammals, Mount Desert Island, Natural Resource Management, Northeast Creek, Otter Creek, Population Density, Richardson Brook, Ripple Pond, Round Pond, Schooner Head Road, Sieur de Monts Spring, Somes Pond, Southwest Valley, Stanley Brook, The Bowl, Witch Hole Pond