8 Beaver Facts That Will Fascinate You

Do you know ecologists even call beavers “ecosystem engineers” due to their incredible ability to change the landscapes they inhabit? 

Beavers are amphibious rodents belonging to the genus – Castor. They are prominent in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known as the largest rodents in North America and Eurasia and the second-largest globally, beavers play a vital role in shaping their ecosystems.

Want to know more? Let’s dive into the intriguing world of beavers with these eight fascinating facts, unveiling the mysteries surrounding them.

8 Beaver Facts That Will Fascinate You

1: Beavers Are Large Semi-Aquatic Rodents

Beavers, the remarkably sizable semi-aquatic rodents, are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere. Among them are two existing species: the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (C. fiber). 

Adult beavers can weigh anywhere in the range of 40 to 70 lb. However, very old and fat ones can reach 100 lb. Furthermore, measuring between 70-100 cm in length (with tails spanning 30-40 cm), beavers boast stocky bodies, short legs with webbed toes, and distinctive flat, hairless tails. 

2: Beavers Signal Danger by Slapping Their Tails Against the Water

Beavers diligently safeguard their families by employing a unique warning mechanism: tail slapping against the water when danger looms. This loud noise serves as a warning signal for other colony members to be alert. They also use this signal when encountering something unfamiliar, possibly to provoke a response.

While both male and female beavers partake in tail slapping, males typically do so more frequently. Upon hearing the tail slap, all members of the colony seek refuge in deep water. 

3: Beavers Can Hold Their Breath Underwater for 6-8 Minutes

Beavers possess large lungs that enable them to hold their breath underwater for 6-8 minutes. While they may appear clumsy on land, their webbed hind feet and rudder-like tails allow them swift movement in the water, reaching up to 6 mph. This adaptation enables beavers to navigate efficiently underwater, where they can remain submerged for extended periods.

4: Beavers Have Continuously Growing Front Teeth

One of the fascinating beaver facts is that their teeth never stop growing. Their front teeth, known as incisors, continuously grow throughout their lives, at about 4 feet per year—equivalent to the length of most adult beavers’ bodies without their tails. To prevent overgrowth, beavers must engage in daily gnawing on hard surfaces such as wood, which may help keep their teeth trimmed.

Due to the softer dentine wearing away faster than the enamel, the teeth wear down unevenly, resulting in a chiseled shape. This unique dental structure enables beavers to easily cut through tough objects like wood.

5: Beavers Are Nocturnal, Mainly Active at Night

Beavers are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. During the day, they seek refuge in their shelters (lodges), where they spend much of their time. They wake up at dusk and are active during dawn, too.

While beavers may occasionally venture out during the day, they are most active at dusk and dawn, rendering them primarily crepuscular animals.

6: Beavers Create Dams in Rivers and Streams

Beavers are brilliant builders! They construct dams in rivers and streams to create safe ponds where they build their lodges (homes). These lodges are made of twigs, sticks, rocks, and mud and have underwater entrances. 

Beavers, being proficient swimmers, use these lodges as their homes. The lodges in the dams protect against predators like bears and wolves. 

7: Beavers Have Orange-Colored Front Teeth

Beavers sport distinct orange-colored front teeth due to a protective coating of iron-rich enamel. Unlike most rodents and mammals whose teeth contain magnesium, beavers’ teeth contain iron.

This iron-rich enamel not only gives beavers’ teeth their striking orange hue but also provides significant benefits. It fortifies the teeth, making them more resilient against mechanical stress, and enhances their resistance to acid, ensuring their longevity.

8: Beaver’s Favorite Food is Aspen and Willow

Aspen and willow are among the top picks on a beaver’s menu. These herbivores, known for their appetite for tree bark and softer wood layers, also munch on leaves, woody stems, and aquatic plants. Their favorite foods include poplar, aspen, willow, birch, and maple, which serve as primary building materials for their lodges. 

When aspen occurs in or near riverscapes, beavers prefer them for their diet and building materials. It’s worth mentioning that beavers play a crucial role in stimulating aspen regeneration. By felling these trees and restoring hydrological function in riparian areas, beavers contribute to the renewal and growth of aspen.

Conclusion

Beavers are fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in shaping their habitats. From their large semi-aquatic bodies to their orange-colored front teeth, every aspect of these rodents is fascinating. Their ability to hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes and their nocturnal lifestyle add layers to their mystique. 

The above-discussed beaver facts reveal a captivating story of resilience, adaptation, and ingenuity.

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