The beaver (Castor fiber) population in Prague has grown rapidly since its existence was first confirmed in 2015.

According to research by experts from the Czech University of Life Sciences, approximately 100 of these rodents lived in Prague in 2020, divided into 17 to 20 territories.

Current estimates now place their numbers at up to 150 individuals. They not only inhabit major rivers such as the Vltava and Berounka but are also gradually expanding into smaller waterways like the Rokytka.

These creatures are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of twigs, bark, and herbs. Their natural predators don’t live in the urban environment of Prague, so human activities and environmental changes remain the main threat to the city’s beavers.

The population expansion can be linked to the improving water quality in rivers, as well as the return of natural vegetation due to better landscape management.

Coexistence with beavers

Although beavers are able to survive in less clean habitats, they prefer environments with sufficient vegetation and stable water sources. The Vltava River has seen an improvement in water quality in recent years, which has contributed to improved conditions for beavers.

They play a key role in the creation of wetland ecosystems. By building dams and burrows, they help retain water in the environment and develop habitats for other species, such as amphibians and waterfowl.

On the other hand, beavers can damage trees and infrastructure. Preventing this damage requires coordination between nature conservation groups and the city’s administration.

The European beaver is a protected species in the Czech Republic, which means that its population is monitored and protected from capture or hunting. Therefore, the city of Prague only applies conservative preventative measures, such as protecting trees with netting.

But that is often not enough. Last spring, beavers gnawed on the trees on the banks of the Vltava River in front of the Holešovice Market so much they received media attention.

How to observe them

Beavers are active mainly at dusk and at night, so the best chance of seeing them is early in the morning or at dusk. They are shy, so it is important to remain quiet and not approach them too quickly.

Signs of beaver presence include trees that have been gnawed into a conical shape, webbed paw prints, dark droppings and, most importantly, dams and burrows.

Remember to not go close to their burrows and do use flashlights that could damage their sensitive eyesight.

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