Mountain Beaver: Aplodontidae

Humans have caused this family to decrease in population by destroying its natural habitat through development and other activities. In the Pacific Northwest, mountain beavers are considered a pest by many foresters and gardeners because they eat seedlings and young trees. They can also cause damage to trees by peeling off the bark. To prevent damage to their crops and gardens, people may use herbicides (substance used to kill or control plants) and traps, factors that contribute to the decline of mountain beavers.