How Long is the Largest Beaver Dam?

The longest beaver dam in the world is 2,800 feet (853 meters) long. It's more than twice as long as the Hoover Dam in between Nevada and Arizona, which is 1,244 feet (379 meters) long. The dam was discovered from space using Google Earth and scientists estimate the beavers have been hard at work on the dam since the 1970s. The second longest beaver dam was discovered in 2007, also using Google Earth. It is 2,790 feet (850 meters) long and likely under construction for about 25 years.

More Dam Facts:

• The second longest beaver dam, located in Canada, has two side beaver dams also under construction. If the beavers were to join the three dams, the total length would be about 3,280 feet (1 kilometer) long.
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• Average beaver dams range from 15 feet (4.5 meters) to 328 feet (100 meters).


• It takes a beaver about 20 minutes to fell a 6-inch (15.2-centimeter) thick aspen tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the world's largest beaver dam?

The world's largest beaver dam, located in Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta, Canada, stretches an impressive 850 meters (2,788 feet) in length. This remarkable structure is visible from space and showcases the extraordinary engineering capabilities of beavers, which are known to continuously expand their dams over years.

When was the largest beaver dam discovered?

The largest beaver dam was discovered in 2007 through satellite imagery. Despite its massive size, it had remained undetected for quite some time due to its remote location, which is far from human habitation and only accessible through a significant amount of overland travel.

How old is the largest beaver dam in the world?

While the exact age is difficult to determine, experts estimate that the construction of the world's largest beaver dam began in the 1970s. This suggests that the dam is over four decades old, with generations of beavers having worked on its expansion and maintenance over the years.

What ecological impact does the largest beaver dam have?

Beaver dams, including the world's largest, play a crucial role in their ecosystems. They create wetlands, which are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. The dams also help in water purification, flood control, and maintaining local water tables, making them vital for environmental health and resilience.

Can visitors see the largest beaver dam in person?

Visiting the world's largest beaver dam is challenging due to its remote location in Wood Buffalo National Park. It requires a significant effort to reach, involving a combination of flying, driving, and hiking. As such, it is not a common tourist destination, but rather a site for dedicated adventurers or researchers.

Are there any threats to the largest beaver dam's existence?

The largest beaver dam faces potential threats from climate change, which can alter the landscape and water availability, potentially affecting the structural integrity and the beavers' ability to maintain it. Human activities, although minimal due to its remoteness, could also pose a threat if access to the area increases.