FAQ: How big are Eurasian beavers?

Beavers can grow to the size of a tubby spaniel, they usually weigh between 16–30kg, measuring 60–90cm in body length, with tail lengths of 20-35cm. It is hard to tell the sex of a beaver from its appearance. Unusually for mammals, female beavers are the same size or slightly larger than males of the same age. Beavers are uniquely adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, with a sleek waterproof coat, large flattened muscular tail and webbed hind feet to provide propulsion underwater.

Beaver family group copyright Jonathan Usher Smith

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"The beaver is a missing part of our watery landscapes and has a role to play in the healthy functioning of wetland habitats." - Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive for The Wildlife Trusts

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Beavers are back in Scotland!

On 24 November 2016, the Scottish Government made the landmark announcement that beavers are to remain in Scotland. This is the first time that a mammal has been formally reintroduced in UK history.

The trial population of beavers remains in Knapdale, and the Scottish Beaver partners are now focussing their efforts on re-enforcing this population to ensure its long term future.

Boosting the Knapdale beaver population

For updates on the beaver re-enforcement project, please visit the website of the Scottish Wildlife Trust or the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland by clicking on the adjacent logos.

The Scottish Beaver Trial website

Now that the Trial has ended, this website will no longer be updated. However, if you would like to browse our historical records on the website, please click the button to continue.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland (registered number SC040247) having its registered office at Harbourside House, 110 Commercial St, Edinburgh EH6 6NF. It is also a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792). The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is charity registered in Scotland (charity number SC004064) having it registered office at Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS. Photography © Niall Benvie & Jonathan Usher Smith, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

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