80–120 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/800 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/5.6–f/8
Aperture
76,426
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/800 s
Shutter (action)1/2000 s
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionGet down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 100 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 59 mm | 88 mm | 39 mm | 29 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 117 mm | 177 mm | 78 mm | 59 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 176 mm | 265 mm | 117 mm | 88 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 235 mm | 354 mm | 157 mm | 117 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 352 mm | 530 mm | 235 mm | 176 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 587 mm | 884 mm | 391 mm | 294 mm |
About the American Beaver#
The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is one of two extant beaver species. It is native to North America and introduced to Patagonia in South America and some European countries (e.g. Finland).
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Most active at dusk — sit quietly near the lodge.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in April and May, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an American Beaver?
At about 100 cm long, an american beaver fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 117 mm, or at 20 m with 235 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an American Beaver?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a American Beaver?
Observations in North America peak in April and May. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources