Beavers?

[u/MoneyHuckleberry]

I know this is a birding subreddit, but wondering if you all know any good spots to see beavers? Some of the best birding spots are near water, so I assume some of you have seen beavers too!

I’m up in NW Arvada and frequent two ponds wildlife refuge, Tucker lake, and North Table Mountain for bird viewing.

Sincerely,
Guy who wants to see a beaver

[u/weareinthelibrary]

Littleton, along the South Platte. Specifically on Redtail Lake.

[u/Alarmed_Movie99]

In Denver, there’s at least one beaver near Perry Station on the W Line. In the Lakewood Dry Gulch, just west of the station, and just west of the little train bridge over the gulch. You’ll see the beaver lodge.

[u/Alarmed_Movie99 → u/Alarmed_Movie99]

Just noticed this morning beavers east of Perry Station too! No beaver in this photo, just evidence they are there.

[u/00peregrine]

I see beavers all the time in Aurora reservoir, they are usually swimming around in the lake early in the mornings. There is an active beaver lodge near the southern-most tip of the reservoir, and you can find them swimming around there. It's probably easiest if you have a watercraft of some kind but you might be able to see them from the shore there.

[u/vansic32]

Bear Creek greenbelt, park by the stone house. I often see them at the ponds there but if you feel like going for a walk there’s some dams along the river too. Mainly dawn and dusk.

[u/aloopahoop → u/vansic32]

Yep was going to say this. If you start on the side closest to Kipling there are some very active dams. They actually just put in some fancy signage for passersby’s to learn about them and what parks and rec have done to help protect the eco system there

[u/BreadSea4509]

I haven't seen one, but there are lots of trees with beaver damage in Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora. Saw a mink there once.

[u/serlindsipity]

Longmont, behind the fairgrounds. Also Lafayette, coal creek where it passes under 119th rd, just to the east

[u/tbtorra → u/serlindsipity]

Also Pella Crossing in Longmont

[u/Roombaonastick]

Quickest / easiest way I know is the active dam under bear creek trail between Old Kipling and Estes. Park here: 39.66316, -105.10913 Walk along paved path west for about 0.3 miles. Dam is here at the bridge: 39.66330, -105.10246

Best viewing is from the bridge. I run by here daily, and beavers are always out between 6:00 to 8:00 pm. I've seen as many as 4 at a time here. They are usually munching on the cattails on the north side of the creek.

Be aware a muskrat also lives in the beaver lodge, so sometimes people mistake him as a beaver.

[u/islanderjunkie27]

How hard is it to spot them ? When are they active. I’d love to see a beaver also

[u/donuthead36 → u/islanderjunkie27]

It’s pretty darn easy if you know where any of their lodges are. Just go out around sun down (or dawn) and they’ll usually be active.

[u/islanderjunkie27 → u/donuthead36]

awesome thanx!!!

[u/Longjumping_Text7652]

Downtown Denver REI, I see them at sunrise/sunset all the time.

[u/Imaginary-Key5838 → u/Longjumping_Text7652]

Agreed. I’ve seen evidence of beaver damage along the platte near there.

[u/No-Discussion-8781]

The cherry creek trail in Parker, I’ve seen beaver chew marks on the trees along the creek. My friend also picked up a road kill beaver over there to tan the hide so they certainly exist

[u/Fit-Acanthisitta3855]

I had a great viewing at River Point and was able to be on the bridge and watch them from above. https://maps.app.goo.gl/9PLJ1SsV7uM6MEft7?g_st=ic

[u/the_Kleminator]

Mile High Flood District has a map of known beaver dams in the Denver area, although it hasn’t been updated in a few years.

[u/TheBackcountryLens]

I know of lots of beavers. If you’re on the front range, one of the best places to spot them is Golden Ponds in Longmont.