Mammals · Castoridae

Beavers

Castor (genus)

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Beavers are known for their natural trait of building dams on rivers and streams, and building their homes — known as "lodges" — in the resulting pond. They also build canals to float building materials that are difficult to haul over land, using powerful front teeth to cut trees and other plants for both building and food.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Rodentia

Family: Castoridae

Genus: Castor

Other names: Canadian Beaver, American Beaver, Eurasian Beaver

Beaver Species

Eurasian Beaver

Castor fiber

North American Beaver

Castor canadensis

Size

The second-largest rodent after the capybara — 23 to 39 in. long, with a 7.75–12 in. tail, weighing approximately 60 lbs. Females are often larger than males.

Habitat

North and central Eurasia, and North America — rivers, streams, ponds, small lakes and marshes.

Behavior

Build dams on rivers and streams and construct homes in ponds and waterways, typically with a portion underwater and a part above water.

Description

Webbed feet and a paddle-shaped tail. A naturally oily, waterproof coat of fur and powerful front teeth.

Diet

Herbivore — leaves, bark, twigs, roots and aquatic plants.

Senses

Poor eyesight, but excellent hearing, smell and touch.

Gestation

3 months.