The beaver is the national animal of Canada. They are mammals. They live in ponds, lakes, and streams. Beavers are strong swimmers and graceful divers. They have lungs and a furry body. A beaver's baby is called a kit. The babies drink their mother's milk. The beaver is warm-blooded. Its body temperature stays warm, even in icy water. The beaver is the largest rodent in North America. Its front teeth never stop growing.
Beavers live in most parts of Canada (the north, the west and on the prairies). They are found in wild areas of Canada. Small numbers are found in Europe, Asia, and the tip of South America. They live in and around water. An adult beaver weighs from 16-32 kg (35-70 pounds) which is as heavy as a large dog. To survive beavers need trees and water. Trees provide beavers with food and wood for building.
English: Illustration of beaver tracks
These trees, up to mm (0 in) in diameter, were fel...
Beaver work in progressWater keeps them safe. Beavers can swim away from danger. Beavers are plant eaters. They feed on tree bark all year round.
In spring and summer, they also eat new green plants. They have razor-sharp teeth for cutting trees. A beaver's back teeth grind up wood. A flap of skin closes behind the front teeth, which keeps water out of the beaver's mouth. Between the back and front teeth is a place that is perfect for carrying sticks underwater. They also have special chemicals in their stomach that helps them digest the bark. A beaver's tail is scaly and about 30cm (12 inches) long. Fat stored in the tail serves as food during winter. Beavers have clear eyelids that protect a beaver's eye and let them swim underwater with their eyes open. A beaver's ears and nose close over to prevent water from going in.
A beaver's long soft fur...