Did you spot a beaver or signs of their presence, such as dams, lodges, tree chews, or tracks? Reporting these sightings contributes to important crowd-sourced science in California, which strengthens knowledge about beaver benefits, habitat, and range. There are many ways to share your observations. Read more below about three public databases where anyone can report a beaver sighting!
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Beaver Observation Survey
Report beaver signs and sightings on CDFW’s Beaver Observation Survey website and participate in crowd-sourced science throughout California. All reported data will be available to CDFW Beaver Restoration Program staff as they compile a beaver presence database, which will ensure a better understanding of the current range of beaver throughout California. Public access to this dynamic dataset is not currently available. However, CDFW’s interactive map depicts the current known range of beaver in California, based on the best data available to CDFW’s Beaver Restoration Project team.
iBeaver
Download the iBeaver app to report sightings of beaver and beaver signs such as dams, lodges, tree chews, tracks, and coexistence efforts. Specific location data is available to researchers, and the general public can review sightings in this easy to navigate map.
iNaturalist
Download the iNaturalist app to report and track beaver sightings near you. Precise locations can be recorded, shared, or obscured depending on user interest. iNaturalist’s public map makes it easy to navigate and review entries.