Ask a Woodland Question
Welcome to Dear Fern, our forest-friendly advice column designed especially for Vermont woodland owners.
Whether you're wondering about forest ecology, wildlife biology or what to expect from a timber harvest—Dear Fern is here to help!
Fern (our fictional, woodland-savvy friend) draws from a variety of experts and partners across the state to address all you woodland questions. So ask away—no question is too small or too complex.
Dear Fern,
I’m an adult and I’m embarrassed to admit that I can never remember what a beaver eats, for a very long time I assumed it was fish. Can you help me remember?
Sincerely,
Baffled by Beavers
Dear Baffled by Beavers,
Adults are allowed to have questions too! It’s very admirable to admit when you don’t know something and I’m so glad you want to learn more.
Imagine a potluck of woodland friends. There's a small crowd in attendance and among which are Beaver and Otter. While they are unrelated, they do look a bit similar and often hang out in many of the same places- for the sake of this story let’s overlook that sometimes Otter eats Beaver’s babies.
To the potluck Otter shows up with something meaty- fish, frogs, maybe a mouse. Beaver is utterly revolted having shown up with a pile of small branches and other vegetation. They are like your cousins at Thanksgiving- one strictly carnivore and one vegan; they will not be bonding over the sweet potato pie!
While I nearly guarantee that the image of an adorable and impeccably dressed beaver with a Pyrex of bark will help you remember. There’s more!
It’s understandable to think that because a beaver lives primarily around the water it would want to eat fish. But, buckle up, this is interesting- a beaver is a rodent! In fact, the largest rodent in the United States. No more than you would dream of feeding your hamster a fish, a beaver also thinks “Yeah, hard pass, I need something woody.”
If you need one more illustration. A few years ago I was able to see the teeth of a beaver skull. They were the color of rust, because! A beaver’s teeth contain iron. They are built to be strong enough to withstand constant gnawing on woody material.
As always, if you’re unsure someone somewhere else is too. Thanks for asking!
Wander and Wonder,
Fern
