Tatum McConnell, communications intern for The Vital Ground Foundation, writes in her Winter Wildlife Series that beaver lodges and beaver winter activity and survival are based on hard work and wise planning.

From the Vital Ground website: Much like grizzly bears, beavers make a cozy retreat for the winter months. But unlike bears, beavers stay active and awake in their lodges throughout the entire season. Sturdily built of logs, rocks, grass, and mud, beaver lodges can stay standing and in use for many years.

The lodge’s incredible construction (is)  sealed with insulating mud and chinked with small holes left for air to come in and out. Additionally, the lodge is practically impervious to predators like wolves and mountain lions because of the hardened mud and water surrounding all entrances.

The article also sheds light on the biological benefits of beavers, as well as ways beavers keep themselves nourished during winter.