The dry spring in Ohio has been hard on resident beavers. Many of the channels they use to safely patrol their territory have dried up, which means it's harder to forage for food. And some beavers have found their lodges high and dry, putting them at greater risk to predators. This beaver is carrying branches back to its lodge larder, which for now still has plenty of water. They rely on the food they collect now to last them through the long winter.
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A mother beaver carries her pup to the safety of a new lodge after her pond dried up. The lodge's underwater entrances provide a measure of safety from predators such as minks, foxes and coyotes. Her mate was right behind her carrying their other pup.
A beaver carries freshly cut branches back to its lodge. These trips overland are more dangerous now that many of the beaver's water channels have dried up.
A beaver drags fresh branches over its enormous dam on its way back to its lodge. Thanks to the beaver's engineering and hard work, there is still a small pond of water protecting its lodge. Most birds and animals that live in the surrounding forest depend on this source of water.
A beaver's work is never done. This big male beaver spends long hours restocking the family's underwater larder.
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