Are you curious about beavers? There is so much to learn about these interesting creatures! Often called nature’s engineers, they are well-known for building complex dams, but there is so much more to learn about them. For example, did you know that beavers form committed relationships with one another? Below, we’ve rounded up all of our most interesting facts about beavers. Read on to learn more about these amazing animals!
What Is the Largest Rodent in North America?
You guessed it — beavers are the largest rodents living in North America today. To give you an idea of their size, North American beavers typically weigh 35 — 65 pounds. There is only one other living beaver species, the Eurasian beaver, which is slightly smaller than its North American counterpart.
Do Beavers Mate for Life?
Yes, beavers form committed, monogamous relationships and generally mate for life! This is truly one of the most interesting facts about them. Beaver couples live together in a single lodge. Similar to human families, a beaver couples’ young offspring and yearlings will live with their parents in the family “home” until it’s time for them to strike out on their own.
When Are Beavers Most Active?
Beavers are mainly nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, but they are also considered crepuscular, meaning that they are active at dawn and dusk. Their lack of daytime activity is likely an adaptation to help them avoid predators, including human predators.
What Do Beavers Eat?
Beavers are herbivores. They eat leaves, woody stems, and various aquatic plants. Their main building materials are also their preferred foods: poplar, aspen, willow, birch, and maple. Beavers hold their food with their front paws and eat it like corn on the cob.
Why Do Beavers Build Dams?
Contrary to popular belief, beavers do build dams to live in them. In fact, beavers do not reside in their dams at all! Instead, they build their dams to create a pool of deep water. In this pool, they build their lodge, a domed structure that serves as a dry living area and food storage location. Lodges feature underwater tunnels for safe, speedy exits and entrances. The deeper water surrounding their lodge also provides protection, as many predators are unable to cross it.
What Are Beaver Dams Made Of?
To build their famous dams, beavers use trees and branches that they have cut with their strong front teeth. They also incorporate grass, rocks, and mud when constructing their dams.
Why Are Beaver Teeth Orange?
Beaves have orange front teeth because in order to gnaw through tree trunks, they need extra-strong teeth, so their tooth enamel contains iron. The iron is what causes their teeth to look orange.
Want more interesting facts about animals? Learn all about rabbits or discover what makes sloths so fascinating!