Species

By D. Gordon E. Robertson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9381782

Castor canadensis

Beavers are semiaquatic, nocturnal mammals and the largest rodents in North America. They have a large, flat tail and webbed hind feet. Their front paws are smaller and unwebbed and have claws that are used for digging and foraging. They have a transparent membrane that covers their eyes, allowing them to see underwater. Their nostrils and ears are also sealed while submerged. They have a double coat that is black-brown to red-brown. Their yellow teeth are constantly growing.

Range: Native to North America, they are found everywhere except the northern regions of Canada and the southern deserts of the United States and Mexico.

Habitat: Beavers are mostly aquatic, living in temperate forests and freshwater areas. They typically build lodges on lakes, ponds, and islands.

Size: 13-32 kg (28.63 to 70.48 lb); 90-117 cm (35.43 to 46.06 in)

Life Span: 10-20 years in the wild; 15-24 years in captivity

Feeding: Herbivore (lignivore)

Reproduction: Monogamous. Beavers are driven away from their colony around 2 years old and find a mate and begin a new colony several kilometers away from their original. They first breed around three years. They mate between January and March in cold areas and in late November and December in the south. They are pregnant for 3 months and have a litter of 3 to 6 kits. Kits are born fully furred with open eyes. They are capable of swimming within 24 hours and can leave the lodge to explore within a week. Kits are weaned after two weeks but can take up to 3 months.  Kits stay with their parents for two years.

Conservation Status: Least concern. Beavers tend not to do well without large, complex habitats to mimic their natural environment.

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Full Classification:

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