Beavers: Nature's Amazing Engineers

The Beaver (Castor canadensis) is the largest rodent in North America, and globally, only the capybara found in South America, is larger. The average adult beaver weighs 11 to 32 kgs (24–66 lbs); some may even reach 50 kgs (110 lbs)! 

They are well suited to life in the water, such as their tails. Their tails can be up to 30 cm (12 in) in length, around 18 cm (7 in) in width, and 4 cm (1.6 in), in thickness. They use their leathery tails to guide themselves through the water. On land, they will use the tail to prop themselves, when sitting or standing. When using their forepaws to carry branches, rocks, or mud, the tail acts as a counterbalance. They also use their strong tails to tamp down the mud they use to build their dams. 

Feet

The beaver has large, fully webbed hind feet with five toes. They use only their hind feet as propulsion, holding their small forepaws tight to their body. Their forepaws are small and equipped with long, sharp claws, which they use to dig. Their forepaws are also very dexterous and used to carry and hold sticks, mud, and stones. They are also used to perform complex and interactive tasks while constructing or repairing their dams or lodges.

Well Groomed

Beavers are meticulous groomers, using a pair of specialized claws found on the second toe of their back feet. These claws act as pliers, and along with their forepaws, they are used to rid themselves of mites and other parasites, like ticks. This preening also rids their fur of dirt and keeps the fur from becoming matted. Family groups will also preen one another. The beavers have very dense fur; their heavy outer coat is 7 cm in length, and the inner coat is 2 cm in length. Beavers preen and oil their fur often, keeping it waterproof; they can even stay underwater for six to seven minutes, and their skin will not become wet. In the spring and in late autumn, beavers go through a moult.

Teeth

A beaver’s teeth are long, strong, and sharp; their incisors are always growing; chewing through trees and on branches keeps them from getting too long. They keep the upper and lower incisors sharp by rubbing against one another. The yellow colour of their teeth comes from a coat of enamel that helps harden the teeth.

Depending on the situation, beavers may even build a network of canals from one pond to another. These are filled with water, giving the beaver an easier means to transport food, a safer means of travel and eluding predators. They will also cache their food under banks and logs.

Beavers have a substantial impact on the environment, landscape, and biodiversity of the region they inhabit. By building dams, they alter the path and the flow of creeks and rivers, which, after time, create expansive wetlands. This prevents soil erosion, helps lower the effects during a drought,  and creates and expands existing habitat. Beaver ponds are often inhabited by water birds, a variety of fish, and aquatic insects.