beaver

What is a "beaver"?

The beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent known for its remarkable ability to construct dams, canals, and lodges using branches, logs, and mud. Beavers have a stocky body, webbed feet, and a broad, flat tail that serves as a rudder for swimming and a tool for building. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on bark, leaves, and aquatic plants. Beavers are known for their impressive engineering skills, creating complex systems of dams and lodges that provide them with protection from predators and a stable habitat for raising their young. They are excellent swimmers and can stay submerged for several minutes, using their eyes, ears, and nostrils positioned high on their heads to keep a lookout for danger. Beavers are considered a keystone species, as their dam-building activities can have significant impacts on their habitat, creating wetlands that support a diverse range of plants and animals. However, their activities can also sometimes result in conflicts with human interests, such as flooding of agricultural lands or roads. Despite this, beavers are highly regarded for their ecological importance and their fascinating behavior.