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You probably think rabbits and hamsters are cute. Do you think the same thing about rats and beavers? All these animals are cousins, along with mice and squirrels. They’re all rodents.
Beavers and other rodents have front teeth that grow throughout their lives. If their front teeth get too long, their back teeth don’t meet when they close their mouth. That means they aren’t able to chew food, which is a huge problem. To keep their front teeth trimmed, beavers use them to gnaw on woody stems, bark, and tree trunks.
Unlike many animals, Beavers continue growing throughout their lives. The largest ones may weigh over 110 pounds. The biggest rodents in North America, beavers live in streams and rivers and along the shores of large lakes. They’re strong swimmers and can stay underwater for 15 minutes. As they dive, their ears and nose close to keep the water out. ▶
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▲ Beavers have a long, flat tail. When swimming, they use their tail like a rudder to steer right and left. When danger is near, they slap their tail against the water, making a loud sound that warns others of the threat. On land, beavers use their tail to prop themselves up in a sitting position.
Beavers are builders. They use tree branches held together with mud to construct lodges, or homes for the family. The entrance to the lodge is underwater and leads to a large space above the waterline. The space has places for eating and for the young. The floor may be covered with vegetation and bits of wood. ▶
▲ A dam is a wall that holds back water. Beavers build dams near their lodge using young trees, tree branches, grass, rocks, and mud. The dam makes the water around their lodge calm and deep so enemies can’t get to the lodge easily and the beavers can store food safely.
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How do beaver dams affect a river?
Beavers are sometimes described as ecosystem engineers. Their dams slow the flow of water. They also help create environments for many kinds of plants, fish, and amphibians. Beaver dams help keep streams and rivers from flooding during heavy rains. They have so many benefits that people have started building artificial beaver dams!
The orange color of beavers’ teeth comes from iron in their tooth enamel. The iron makes their teeth stronger.
