​Lonesome Historic Site

LONESOME HISTORIC SITE

2006 TN-96  •  Burns, TN 37029  •  206-953-2766

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Science Station 5: Beavers

You can see the beaver dam in the creek behind the cabin. The beaver is a water conservationist which has caused problems in some areas of Tennessee, including right here at Lonesome. It builds water-tight dams of sticks and mud across creeks and builds houses known as lodges.

Beaver dams can slow the flow of water, thus changing life in the creek. Increased silt and flooding in low-lying areas are some of the problems associated with beaver dams; however, beaver dams can prevent erosion and do purify the water in a creek.

Beavers are very territorial and will defend their territory from encroaching beavers. Beavers are primarily nocturnal, although they may sometimes be seen during the day.