Beavers are mammals that are 2 to 3 feet long. They weigh 20-80 pounds.
Beavers have thick fur that is brown to almost almost black.
Beavers have a flat tail. They have webbed feet to help them swim. They also have large and powerful teeth to cut down trees and cut branches.
Beavers have noses and ears that close. This help thems stay underwater. Their eyes are protected by transparent eyelids so they can see underwater.
Animal's Habitat: location in the world they live, type of habitat, and type of home
Beavers can be found in North America, Scandinavia, Russia and Geneva.
Beavers live in forests and wooded areas where they can find trees.
They make their homes, called lodges, out of trees branches, twigs and trunks. The lodges are made in ponds and lakes. Lodges are both under and above the water.
In the winter, beaver families stay in their lodge. Beneath the ice, they live in total darkness for up to 8 months sleeping, eating, and grooming their waterproof fur.
Beavers eat bark, twigs, and leaves. They also eat plants and roots.
Beavers can eat under water. Here's how. Beavers have lips that close behind their front teeth.
Beavers mostly sleep during the day and are awake at night. But, they are sometimes seen during the day.
Beavers can both swim and walk. But the beaver is very clumsy and hump-backed walking on land.
The beaver moves much better by swimming in water. Here's why. It traps air in its fur. This helps it to float and stay warm. Also, its hind feet are broad and webbed. When swimming, beavers use their webbed feet as paddles.
Beavers can cut down trees with their teeth. They build dams and their lodges with the cut down trees.
Beavers groom their fur using their toe nails on their hind legs.
Beaver are able to stay submerged (under water) for up to 15 minutes.
| To cite this page as a resource: |
| Beavers, www.slpschools.org/aq, . |
Beavers, http://www.mnzoo.com/animals/minnesota_trail/beaver_2.asp, 4-29-2002, and Beavers, www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/beaver.html, viewed on 3-6-2007.
For information, contact John Dyer, Media Specialist, Aquila Primary Center. |
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