The beaver in the Ardèche

Did you know that there are beavers in the Ardèche? Their numbers are increasing significantly. They are even colonising certain torrential rivers. Beavers can be found in the Ardèche and Ibie gorges, as well as in the Beaume and Bésorgue gorges. They can even be seen on the Rieu Grand, not far from the summit of the Tanargue, which rises to 1511 m.

The beaver, a nocturnal animal

The beaver is a nocturnal animal that is difficult to observe and should not be disturbed. A herbivore, it feeds on the bark, branches and roots of aquatic plants and the leaves of trees and shrubs. Its menu includes willow, alder, birch and aspen. Unable to climb, it cuts down trees to eat their branches. This is particularly the case in winter, when there is no tender vegetation left on the banks. It also uses logs and wood to make burrows or dams.

Beaver reproduction

Monogamous, the beaver forms a couple for life. Beavers can live up to a dozen years. Beavers live in family colonies, made up of a breeding pair and their young from the previous year. When the time comes to breed, adult beavers begin a courtship ritual. The female prepares a cosy nest inside the family burrow or in a pile of branches called a “lodge”. She will give birth there after a gestation period of around three months. A litter usually consists of two to four young, although larger litters are sometimes seen.

The geographical distribution of the beaver in France can be found here.

Where to see beavers in the Ardèche

In order to protect the species, we are only sharing this information with guests at Mas de la Fontenette, our gite in the Ardèche with swimming pool and wellness area.

Le Mas de la Fontenette and its heated infinity pool.