On June 13, at about 3.30 am I observed an adult beaver who had been foraging in the riparian area right opposite from the natal den.
It appears that, in this family, one of the parents (the same or in shifts) is trying to forage close to the den even if the browse there may be of a lower quality.
The adult beaver finished feeding and swam across the river disappearing into the den (in order to nurse the kit(s) or simply to check in on the kit(s)).
After about a minute, there was a gentle squeaky sound that beavers often produce during their private conversations at close quarters.
It was not clear whether the sound could have been heard from inside of the den or if the individual producing it was already outside, nor I can claim with certainty whether the sound had been emitted by the parent of by the kit as it was distant and muffled and could have been of the making of either.
After this sound, however, a kit emerged swimming an underwater lap in front of the den.
I was under impression that the purpose of this exchange had been that of the kit requesting permission to leave the den and the parent consenting.
I have frequently observed kits taking initiative to leave the den on their own and I do not suppose they always take counsel with mommies or daddies.
Thereby, I wondered what was different in this occasion.
There had been no disturbance, and the kit could not have been affected by the adult’s behaviour (e.g., tail slapping prior to returning to the den or slightly anxious behaviour).
The night, however, was one of the coldest since March, and I believe that the kit perhaps approached the den exit and sensed that the conditions outside were dubious for a little buddy like himself/herself.
Perhaps it asked mommy/daddy whether it would be best it stayed.
I believe this den has several entrances and most of them are below water but some are above water.
It appears that the kit might have exited through the above-water opening (as I could also hear the conversation) and the air temperature startled it but the parent perhaps soothed the kit as the water temperature had not fallen as dramatically, and the water was even quite warm.
While the kits seem to be rather independent-minded, they apparently take advice with their parents and I have also observed that they often leave the den when an adult/subadult has recently returned home (while this parental/sibling figure is still in the den) as it must feel safer and more encouraging to explore and to exercise with the parent/sibling nearby.
I am under impression that the kits enjoy being watched during their activities and that the presence of the babysitter is empowering to them.
I believe it such psychological outlook is not due to self-involvement (which would be pardonable in a tiny kit anyway) but because the parents/siblings are probably happy and relieved to watch the kits developing and exhibiting advancements that would ensure their survival into yearling stage.
I gather that it is very important to beavers to be of use to their families and perhaps growing up strong and healthy is the first service that the kit can provide to its family by entertaining the parents/siblings with its progress and experiencing their increasing confidence in the kit’s chances as a gratifying response.
Notes by Ieva 