Beavers

Beavers are thick-furred, webbed footed, flattened scale-covered tailed rodents and are among one of the largest rodents in the world. They are able to build homes and dams with their powerful jaws and strong teeth. To do this, typically they will use fallen trees. Few other animals can do this, so it makes them quite special. There are the American beavers and Eurasian beavers which are the only two types of beaver. The American beaver weighs up to 60 pounds and is usually 23 to 29 inches long. Its tail can also add an extra 7 inches. Eurasian beavers are about the same size and weigh between 29 and 77 pounds. They are 29 to 53 inches long and they have a narrower tail and smaller skull than the American beaver. Their teeth are very long at 20 to 25 millimeters and continue to grow throughout their lifetime. Beavers need water to survive. Therefore, they live in or around  freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes and swamps. A beavers home is called a lodge which is a little dome shaped house made from sticks, grasses, and moss plastered with mud. Not only do beavers build homes out of trees, but they eat them too. They also eat leaves, roots, and bark. Beavers can digest cellulose unlike other mammals which is a very important part of their diet.