Dispersal characteristics of two-year-old Beavers, Castor canadensis, in Western Montana

Abstract

The movements of 22 two-year-old Beavers (Castor canadensis) were monitored in montane habitat using radio-telemetry. Twelve did not disperse. Dispersal distance, dispersal dales, and settlement dates of 10 dispersers varied. Disperser survival rate was 0.70. Wide variation in dispersal dates, and settlement dates, suggests the existence of a summertime sub-population of transient Beavers, unattached to traditional colonies.