I set a couple foothold on drowning cables the other day at a reclaimed strip mine pond. Beaver sign appeared here last summer and a bank hole/ lodge was built soon after. It was fairly close to a road and I wasn’t sure if it had been trapped by others, as our season is just about over.
On my first check I had an adult beaver drowned at the end of the cable, and while I was pulling it in, another good size beaver swam passed me. But I haven’t had any activity the last three nights.
I’m guessing that there were a pair of beaver living there. When one of them is caught, is it common for the remaining beaver to up and leave? I doubt the other beaver I saw got too spooked up, as it’s buddy was drowned in five feet of water. I had something similar happed two years ago.....l knew there were two beaver in a small pond, caught one ( while I was setting my traps), and never caught the other.

Yes one can leave especially this time of year.
3 nights is not long enough to make the determination if they are gone for good.
I'd come back in a week and look for sign.
Was it the male you caught?

Yes, it was about a 45-50 pound male.

I wonder if it seeing a dead one being drug in maybe spooked it? Not sure if that's how it happened.
You said it was there while you checked though. If it watched its pal being pulled in
backwards and dead, i think they are wise enough to stay away from that spot for a spell.
Coulda been there when it went down the drowner as well.
Different presentation in a different spot, maybe?

Edit...im just spitballin here. Throwin out an idea.

female beaver hardly move just before,during and after parturition.

Personally I don’t think it would spook a beaver unless it’s already been educated before. I trapped a pair earlier this year flooding someone’s cattle pasture. The first morning, I had the male, and I noticed the female swimming around close by. She swam to the opposite bank, and watched me reset the trap, re lure the castor mound, and walk off. The next morning I had her in that set. With that being said, I’ve seen educated beaver hole up or move when they realize I’m in the area trying to catch them. Usually it’s after someone has failed to catch them, and I set traps on the house or channels with lots of blocking/ disturbances.

Keep after it....you never know. Just caught a male for the second time today (don't ask, unless you pm). Keep your sets fresh, and set where they go!

I’m guessing spooked female. I have had adults “hole up” after taking mate before. I would go to 48 hour check if legal. Or check in middle of day and be as quick and quiet as possible.

Well, the other beaver is still there. Must have been laying low the last couple days. Today was the last day of Pa’s beaver season, and as I was pulling in my last sack, saw this swimming past me 40 feet away. There’s always next year.....

And she doesn't look happy.

Should a had the 7.62 with you.

it's teasing you

agreed, I have caught 3 generations out of ponds that surely saw their deceased kin during the job.