I watched a North American Beaver swimming toward me at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The beaver pushed an unexpectedly large wave across the water. For a moment, I wondered whether that wave might reach the fishing pier.
North American Beaver Swimming Toward the Pier
I was standing on the fishing pier near the Reeves Boat Ramp on March 4, 2023. Two North American Beavers were swimming in the distance.
One of them soon turned and began swimming toward the pier. As it came closer, I noticed the large wave building in front of it.
The beaver did not appear to have anything in its mouth. It was simply pushing an impressive amount of water as it moved forward.
I have photographed these animals several times around the refuge. Another encounter gave me a good view of a Beaver Swimming at Reeves Slough.
This beaver kept coming until it made a sudden turn near the pier. Once it changed direction, the wave quickly faded.
Photographing the Beaver’s Large Wave
I photographed this encounter at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge at 8:32 a.m. I used my Canon EOS R7 with the Canon RF 100-500mm lens.
The beaver’s approach gave me a direct view of the water piling up in front of it. I took the photo as it continued swimming toward my position.
Even after looking at the image, I am not sure it fully shows the wave’s height. Seeing it approach from the pier made the wave seem much larger.
Camera settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/800 second
- ISO: 800, Auto
- Exposure compensation: -1/3
- Focal length: 500mm
A Close Beaver Encounter to Remember
Wildlife encounters can change quickly. One moment, I was watching two distant beavers. A short time later, one was swimming straight toward the pier.
The beaver turned before reaching me, and the wave disappeared without causing any trouble. I was glad I had my camera ready for this unusual moment.