When did the beaver population decline?

The beaver population in North America experienced a significant decline during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily due to overhunting for their fur, which was highly valued in the fur trade. The demand for beaver pelts led to extensive trapping and habitat destruction, causing beaver populations to plummet. By the late 19th century, beavers were nearly extirpated from many regions. Conservation efforts and legal protections initiated in the 20th century have since allowed their populations to rebound in many areas.