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The
beaver is a large rodent with a long, flattened tail. It
is a strong swimmer and can swim up to 5 miles per hour.
The beaver can swim underwater for up to 15 minutes.
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Beavers are about 3 ft long; their flat, thick tail is about 1
ft long. They weigh 30-70 pounds. Like all rodents, their
teeth continue to grow their entire lives. Their ears and
nostrils can close while the beaver is underwater. While
swimming, transparent eyelids protect their eyes. Beavers can
close their mouth by closing a flap located behind their
teeth, allowing them to chew while holding their breath.
Young beavers are called kits. Beavers do not hibernate
over winter, but they will stay in their lodge, where they
have stored enough food to last until spring.
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Diet:
Beavers are herbivores (plant-eaters). They eat tree
bark, leaves, roots, twigs, and water plants.
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Habitat
and Shelter:
Beavers live in forests and ponds in North America and in
parts of Europe and Asia. Beavers build sophisticated
lodges out of sticks and mud. The dome-shaped lodge is
built in water and only has underwater entrances. If the
local pond water isn't deep enough, the beaver will build a
dam downstream from where the beaver wants to build a lodge.
The dam forms a deep pond. Beavers cut down trees for
the dam using their strong teeth. The water in the pond
must be deep enough so that the pond bottom won't freeze in
winter, blocking the lodge's entrance. You might
see a beaver in your backyard or along the road if you are
near water and look carefully. |
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Predators:
The
beaver is hunted by many animals, including coyotes, wolves,
bears, lynxes, and wolverines. Minks, owls and hawks prey upon
young beavers. Beavers cannot move very quickly on land, so
their best defense from predators is to retreat into the water
and go into their lodge. |
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