On June 7, 2026, around 6:35 a.m., near low tide, FODMer Todd Kiraly observed two beavers approaching a dam in Dyke Marsh south of the Haul Road Trail. From a kayak positioned roughly 30 feet from the dam, he watched the beavers for about 10 minutes as they engaged in maintenance behavior, transporting mud and woody material to reinforce the structure.

Todd was preparing to turn and go up a tributary when he concluded that the tide was too low and he observed that a dam was blocking his entrance.  He saw beavers on the opposite side of the dam swimming and frolicking about. Then they started to work on the dam.

One individual crossed the dam several times to observe him from distance but did not display tail-slapping behavior. Wildlife biologists say that beavers slap the water with their tail to warn others in the colony of danger.   Todd paddled away as the beavers continued the dam upkeep.

Here we share Todd’s video of the beavers’ activity: