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Beavers

Castor

Beavers are large, semi-aquatic rodents in the genus Castor, with two living species: the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). They are the largest rodents in North America and the second-largest rodents in the world after capybaras. Beavers are usually nocturnal, though they may sometimes be active during the day. Beavers are well known for building lodges, dams, and canals/channels. Where water is shallow or flowing, they often build dams that back up water into a deep, still pond; this helps protect them from terrestrial predators and provides safe access to food and shelter (including underwater entrances). The impounded water also helps them float building materials and food (such as cut branches) back toward their pond and lodge. In some settings, beavers also maintain channels/canals that let them reach new feeding areas and float woody food and building material through water rather than dragging it over land.

Beavers are large, semi-aquatic rodents in the genus Castor, with two living species: the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). They are the largest rodents in North America and the second-largest rodents in the world after capybaras. Beavers are usually nocturnal, though they may sometimes be active during the day. Beavers are well known for building lodges, dams, and canals/channels. Where water is shallow or flowing, they often build dams that back up water into a deep, still pond; this helps protect them from terrestrial predators and provides safe access to food and shelter (including underwater entrances). The impounded water also helps them float building materials and food (such as cut branches) back toward their pond and lodge. In some settings, beavers also maintain channels/canals that let them reach new feeding areas and float woody food and building material through water rather than dragging it over land.