Beaver
Beavers are social animals, living in large family groups of monogamous parents, young kits, and the yearlings from the previous spring.
Facts about beavers
- Beavers use goggles too! Beavers possess a set of transparent eyelids which enable them to see under water.
- Beavers are second only to humans in their ability to manipulate their environment - the largest dam in existence is located in Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta, Canada. It stretches for 850m, and is visible from space.
- Beavers homes, called lodges, are domelike constructions built from branches and mud. They are positioned in open water for protection from predators and have underwater entrance holes.
- Beavers don’t mind the cold, they can be seen active throughout winter and maintain use of their ponds even when covered with a layer of ice.
- Beavers are among the largest rodents on earth. Their large rodent teeth never stop growing. The beavers constant gnawing on wood keeps their teeth from growing too long.
- There are two species of beaver; the North American beaver and the European beaver. Although very similar in appearance and behaviour, the two species are not genetically compatible.
- The work of beavers makes them a keystone species in maintaining habitats that are relied on by many others. As well as wetland, beavers create standing dead wood (by drowning some trees) which is inhabited by insects, and in turn attracts bird life.
- Beavers are good house guests. Their lodges typically contain two dens, one for drying off after entering the lodge under water, and a second, dryer den where the family will live and socialise.
- Beavers have been known to share their lodges with families of muskrats!
- A beaver will fell a particular tree for a particular reason; a larger mature tree will be felled to form the basis of a dam. A young, second growth tree will be felled for food. Beavers will also fell broad-leaved trees to encourage re growth (food) closer their reach.
- Beavers use their broad, stiff tales like rudders to steer under water, and for balance while sitting on land. They use their tails to pat down mud whilst constructing their dams and lodges, and to slap the water as a warning of danger, or a warning to keep away.
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