ExploreMammals

American Beaver

Castor canadensis

The American Beaver is a busy animal known for building dams and lodges in rivers and streams. They have big, flat tails and love to chew on wood to make their homes.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The American Beaver has a stocky body covered in thick, reddish-brown to dark brown fur, often lighter on its belly. It is easily recognized by its large, flat, paddle-like scaly tail and prominent, ever-growing orange incisor teeth.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyCastoridaeGenusCastor
American Beaver
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American Beaver

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

119

Interesting facts

Beaver dams are so big they can be seen from space, changing entire landscapes!

Beavers can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes, longer than many divers!

Their thick fur has over 12,000 hairs per square centimeter, keeping them perfectly dry!

They have special lips behind their front teeth, letting them chew wood underwater!

Special abilities

Ability

Nature's Engineer

American Beavers can build complex dams and lodges using wood and mud that create new wetlands.

Ability

Underwater Navigator

American Beavers have clear nictitating membranes and webbed feet that help them see and swim efficiently underwater.

Ability

Powerful Chewer

American Beavers have strong jaw muscles and self-sharpening teeth to fell large trees for building and food.

Measurements & details

Length
90-120 cm
Weight
11-32 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
8 km/h
Litter Size
2-4
Gestation
105-107 days

Watch

Diet & Feeding

Beavers are vegetarians, primarily eating wood, bark, and aquatic plants.

Primary Foods

  • Tree bark
  • Twigs
  • Leaves
  • Roots
  • Aquatic plants

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Quaking Aspen

Populus tremuloides

A primary food source for beavers.

eats

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

Adult beavers and kits can be prey.

eats

Coyote

Canis latrans

Opportunistic predator of beavers.

shelters

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Uses beaver ponds for nesting.

Traits

Also known as

Beaver

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Beavers are usually friendly, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not disturb their homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is American Beaver?

90-120 cm

How much does American Beaver weigh?

11-32 kg

How long does American Beaver live?

10-15 years

How fast can American Beaver move?

8 km/h

What does American Beaver eat?

Beavers are vegetarians, primarily eating wood, bark, and aquatic plants.

Where is American Beaver usually found?

Wetlands

How does American Beaver hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does American Beaver usually have?

2-4

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