Beavers are large, semi-aquatic rodents known for their dam-building behavior.
They belong to the family Castoridae and are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Beavers have a robust and aquatic-adapted body, with webbed hind feet and a broad, flat tail.
Their fur is dense and waterproof, providing insulation and buoyancy in the water.
Beavers have sharp, chisel-like incisors that grow continuously throughout their lives.
They use their powerful front teeth to cut down trees and build dams and lodges.
Beavers are primarily herbivores, feeding on a diet of bark, leaves, aquatic plants, and roots.
They are skilled swimmers and can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes.
Beavers are known for their engineering prowess, constructing elaborate dams using sticks, mud, and stones.
The purpose of beaver dams is to create ponds that provide protection and easier access to food during winter.
Beavers are monogamous and form family units consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring.
Their lodges are constructed with underwater entrances, providing safety from predators.
Beavers communicate through vocalizations, including grunts, whistles, and tail slaps on the water's surface.
Beaver dams can significantly alter ecosystems, creating wetlands and influencing water flow.
They are considered keystone species, impacting biodiversity and landscape structure.
Beavers are crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk.
They have a specialized upper lip that can close behind their incisors, allowing them to gnaw underwater without ingesting water.
Beavers are territorial, and disputes between neighboring families can occur.
Their tails are used for balance, steering in the water, and signaling danger with loud tail slaps.
Beavers use mud to waterproof their lodges and may add fresh materials to the dam regularly.
They store food underwater near their lodges for winter consumption.
Beaver populations have rebounded in some regions due to conservation efforts and habitat protection.
Their dams provide essential habitat for various other wildlife, including amphibians and waterfowl.
Beavers are hunted for their fur, which was historically in high demand for clothing.
They are known for their industrious behavior, with some dams reaching lengths of over 2,000 feet.
Beavers can alter water flow to mitigate the risk of flooding and drought in their habitats.
They have a relatively long lifespan, with individuals living up to 20 years in the wild.
Beavers were once overhunted for their pelts, leading to population declines, but conservation efforts have helped restore their numbers.
Beaver lodges are often constructed in the center of ponds and are accessed by underwater entrances.
They are known to mark their territories with scent mounds and castoreum, a secretion from their scent glands.
Beavers are strong and capable of dragging large branches and logs to their dam sites.
They are adaptable to various water environments, including lakes, rivers, and streams.
Beavers are considered ecosystem engineers, influencing water quality and creating diverse habitats.
Efforts to manage beaver populations often involve sustainable methods, balancing their impact with ecological benefits.