Client called me back in Sept for a colony of five beavers that they had been watching on the lake. Lodge is right on shore and easy access. I trapped out all five within a couple days.
Last week they call me saying two beavers had moved in, they are really small. So, I set it up like previous, with 330's. I've had two sprung traps and an unfortunate Merganser.
I set it up on 1/2/25 and I'm seeing no new evidence of beavers. I'm thinking they saw a couple 'rats, but haven't caught them either. Client says they are using the same entry which is covered.
I've never seen young beavers move onto a lake in late Dec. , but I guess anything is possible. There was also no report that I missed any. Thoughts?

Yes.. this is why I run beslisles because the little buggers pay for their trapp setting offing

Absolutely! Along with other critters.

Yes, as well as occupied beaver houses

I saw that on the Nat Geo channel, beaver sharing a winter lodge with muskrats. They just kept to the one side. They had a pin cam or something to see inside.

Some times they may even co-habit the lodge. Walked a few miles on a marsh this week to see how much sign there was. Marginal sign but several houses burrowed into by otter and even mink on some of the feeders.

Bryce

Thanks guys. I figured if otter and mink will, a 'rat will too, but have never seen it, so wasn't positive.

I agree with the co habitation in a beaver lodge. I have seen it several times over the years. Don't know how it works out once they are both inside but it does happen.

I was set up for a shoot on nuisance beavers one night after I drained the swamp. Right at dusky dark, out of the lodge come two mushrats. Soon after, out come a beaver, then another. Was't long after that, the mushrats ruled the roost from then on.

That's why old lodges are good otter sets. They like to ambush any muskrats that are residing there. Also, over the years I have caught several mergansers at lodge entrances.

Agree.
Here's a good example of what Brooktrout906 said-
One day old snow. Otter tracks going to old bank Beaver den, where Muskrats moved in (wet spot pass large tree on left)-

Tracks in snow and mud will teach you many preferred animal routes and feeding areas if you pay attention.

Still not sure what they had. I didn't catch anything and they haven't seen them again. They will let me know of any new activity once ice is out.

Old timers told me that the rats were the beaver's housekeepers.