By Josie
January 23rd, 2023
Beavers are cousins with cousins with porcupines, guinea pigs and squirrels.
They constitute the second largest rodent on the planet and are semiaquatic animals.
Scientific name: Castor Canadensis (American Beaver), Castor Fiber (Eurasian Beaver) Family: Castoridae Diet: Herbivore Habitat: Near bodies of water in forested areas Distribution: South of Canada to Northern Mexico; throughout Europe Population: North America: 6-12 millions; Europe: 1 million
The tail is large and flat with a scaly touch to it, usually measuring 18 inches in length and 5 inches in width.
A fully grown beaver measures 31-47 inches in length, excluding their tail, and weighs 24-66 pounds.
Just like their incisors, a beaver never really stops growing.
The biggest beavers can easily pass the 110 pound mark.
Their distinctive tail is imperative.
It acts as a rudder when they swim, and provide support when standing on their hindlegs.
In winter it acts as a fat reserve, but also helps them lose or retain heat.
Typically, they can house up to 8 beavers and measures 10 feet in height and 20 feet across.
They build “beaver lodges” to live in.
Their essential for protecting them against harsh climates.
Their architectural skills have granted them the title of “ecosystem engineers”.
Other than humans of course, no other species has such a profound effect on their surroundings.
A beaver's teeth do not only stand out because of their size, also because of their color.
Their teeth are bright orange-yellow color.
Although their dives usually only last for about 30 seconds, they're able to hold their breath for a whole 30 minutes.
Moreover, their webbed hind-feet allow them to reach speeds of 5 mph when swimming.