The North American beaver is a large species of rodent that lives in the temperate woodland and riverine areas of the USA and Canada. The North American beaver has a double coat, meaning its fur has a surface layer of long, coarse hairs and an undercoat of shorter, finer hairs. This coat gives the beaver’s fur a coarse appearance. The beaver may be brown, red or tan in appearance and have small ears and eyes, a black nose high on the snout and large, pronounced front teeth. North American beavers have a head-body length of 74 to 90cm and a tail length of 20 to 35cm. They weigh between 11 and 32kg.
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Castor canadensis
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Animal Facts
North American beavers can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes.
North American beavers can recognize their relatives even if they are born several years apart and have never previously met.
North American beavers may slap their tail on the surface of water repeatedly in response to danger.
North American beavers are known to store food branches underwater near their lodge so they have food throughout the winter.
The North American beaver secretes an oil called ‘castoreum’ which it uses to waterproof its fur – it can be used in perfume and food production.
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