What do beavers mainly target when causing damage?

Beavers are primarily known for their behavior of gnawing on tree trunks, which leads them to target the bark of trees. They strip the bark to access the soft cambium layer underneath, which is highly nutritious and serves as a vital food source. This feeding habit is essential for their sustenance and plays a significant role in their ecosystem engineering behavior, such as dam construction and habitat modification.

While leaves, fruits, and roots can also be part of a beaver's diet, these are not their primary targets when causing damage. Their characteristic activity of chewing through and stripping the bark often results in tree girdling, which can lead to tree death and significantly impact surrounding vegetation and wildlife habitats. Understanding this behavior is crucial for managing beaver populations and mitigating their impacts on forestry and landscaping.