Beaver Image

A Beaver image is easy to recognize. This species is the only living member of its family (Castoridae.) Beavers are semi-aquatic rodents found in Europe and North America. European and American (Canadian) Beavers belong to two distinct species and cannot breed, though they look almost identical. It means that they were separated long ago developed their own gene pool. In North America, the Giant Beaver, the largest rodent in history lived. It became extinct around 13,000 years ago.

A Beaver image is characterized by long incisors teeth, long flat tail, webbed hind feet and small forepaws. Beavers come in many colors, but dark brown is the most common variety. The Beaver coat is double and waterproof. The outer coat is coarse and glossy; the undercoat is wooly and fine. An oily secret of the Beaver scent gland keeps the coat dry. A thick layer of fat provides insulation against cold. Beavers are able to stay underwater for about 15 minutes. Their nostrils and ears are sealed tightly; the eyes are covered with a transparent membrane, which allows to see underwater.

A Beaver image often portrays these animals building a lodge or a dam. Beavers are very clever and creative animals. They manufacture their habitat and create quiet ponds where their colonies are safe from predators and have an easy access to food. By constructing a dam across a stream, they make a flood and start digging an underwater entrance to the lodge. Beaver nests are situated above the water level. It allows to keep warmth even in severe winters and to protect the whole family from land predators. To warn the colony about the danger, one of the Beavers slaps the tail on the water and all Beavers hide in the lodge.

Beavers mate for life and live in large families with their children. Young Beavers stay with the parents for 2-3 years, because they have to learn much about making dams and finding food. In some parts of their range, Beavers are considered pests because their dams cause flooding in large areas. However, benefits of the Beaver dams overweigh the harm they do. The Beaver is a very important species that contributes to the biodiversity in the area. A Beaver image is one of the symbols of Canada.