Beaver Facts

Beavers are fascinating creatures known for their remarkable skills in altering landscapes and engineering ecosystems. One of the most notable facts about beavers is their ability to build dams, which help create wetlands that support diverse wildlife. Beavers use their strong teeth to fell trees and gather branches, mud, and stones to construct these dams. Their front teeth never stop growing, which is why they constantly gnaw on wood to keep them at a manageable length. Another interesting fact is that beavers are excellent swimmers. They have webbed hind feet and can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes, allowing them to evade predators and travel between their lodge and food sources.

Beavers are also known for their strong family bonds. They live in colonies that consist of parents and their offspring, known as kits. Beavers are monogamous and typically mate for life, with both parents playing an active role in raising their young. The kits stay with the family for about two years before leaving to establish their own territories. In terms of diet, beavers are herbivores, primarily feeding on tree bark, leaves, aquatic plants, and grasses. Their dam-building and feeding habits help maintain healthy ecosystems by promoting plant growth, reducing soil erosion, and improving water quality. These traits make beavers a keystone species in many environments, contributing significantly to biodiversity and environmental balance.