Mountain Beaver

Aplodontia rufa

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Rodentia · Aplodontiidae

About

The mountain beaver is a North American rodent. It is the only living member of its genus, Aplodontia, and family, Aplodontiidae. It should not be confused with true North American and Eurasian beavers, to which it is not closely related; the mountain beaver is instead more closely related to squirrels. There are seven subspecies of mountain beaver, six of which are found in California and three of which are endemic to the state.

Fun Fact

Despite its name, the mountain beaver isn't a beaver at all — it's the most primitive living rodent, with a lineage dating back over 30 million years and no close living relatives.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Moist forests and meadows

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

5-10 years

Threats

Deforestation
Habitat Fragmentation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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