Mountain Beaver

Rodentia aplodontidae

Range in Washington: Mountain beavers are found in North America. The two main ranges of mountain beavers are from Merritt, British Columbia to Rio Dell, California and from Mt. Shasta, California to western Nevada. There are also sparse populations of this species on the Californian coast Habitat: Forests and thickets, moist areas. 

Diet: Herbivore. 

Habits: Mostly nocturnal, constructs burrows, occasionally diverts streams into its tunnels.

 Identification: Mountain beavers are dark brown with white spot just below each ear. They have strong incisors. Their head is flat and wide. The body is thick, heavy, and covered with coarse, dull fur. Underneath the fur is a sparse covering of guard hair, which is dark red of grayish brown in color. They have short limbs and a very short tail. Total length: 9.8-17.7 INCHES Tail length: .7-2.1 INCHES Weight: 1.1-3.3 lbs.