The North American Beaver

INTRODUCTION

Beavers (Castor canadensis) are unique animals that have characteristics and behaviors unlike any other animal. The largest rodent in North America; Beavers are the second largest rodent worldwide, behind the capybara. They are four-feet long and weigh up to sixty-five pounds. The beaver’s size gives them an advantage when it comes to building dams and shelters. They are equipped with large incisors that allow them to cut down trees for dam construction. Their geographical distribution ranges from Northern Canada all the way to the southern tip of Texas.

Beavers are able to create their own habitat, allowing this rodent to successfully encompass many different climates. Their uncanny ability to adapt also allows the beaver to be successful in its conquest to obtain energy; evading predation and injury, and reproductive success. After obtaining data specific to the site and a community survey of the beaver, physical and behavioral adaptations were noted. This data was used along with peer-reviewed articles to compile a niche analysis of this rodent.

Climate Adaptations

Beavers are aquatic rodents; their webbed toes and flat tail allow them to swim quickly and easily through the water, while their oily fur reduces friction. The oil in the fur, known as castoreum, is groomed into the fur with the beaver’s specialized toenails and keeps the beaver dry when it is submerged underwater. Beavers also have a set of lips behind their incisors that allow the animal to gnaw at sticks and branches underwater. They can also see while submerged with a pair of transparent eyelids called a nictitating membrane. Additionally, beavers have the ability to close their ears and nostrils to prevent water from entering. Due to the fact that beavers possess a specialized respiratory system, they are able to swim long distances without taking a breath.

In Northern Climates, the beaver may experience a harsh winter. To survive the...