North American Beaver
Castor canadensis
The beaver is the state mammal of Oregon and one of the national animals of Canada.
Did
you
know?
Beavers are an interesting animal they live in rivers and streams, so they need to be able to withstand water. To help with this they have a sent gland on their underside which secretes a liquid to cover their fur and make the waterproof. Just like any rodent they have two teeth that grow for all its life. They help keep the teeth at a manageable size by gnawing on trees.
They make their dams with stick, branches and some mud in flood area which allow them to have access to food and protection from predators. They live in holes inside their dams called a lodge. To get to the lodge they must swim. They can be underwater for up to 15 minutes before they must go back up to the surface for air.
Fun
Fact!
To signal a predator or danger, a beaver will slap their tail on the waters surface to tell other beavers in the colony.
