American Beavers
****An American beaver is a large
semi-aquatic rodent. It has a flattened tail and can swim up
to 5 miles per hour. An American beaver can hold its breath for
15 minutes. A young beaver is called a kit. An American beaver
is 3 feet long, and its tail is 1 foot long. The beaver can weigh
up to 30-70 pounds. Their teeth grow all their life like all
other rodents. A special flap closes behind their teeth so they
can chew under water. They are not nocturnal.
****A beaver is a herbivore (plant
eater). An American beaver is not very fast above water. Its
best defense is below water.
****American beavers live in North
America. They also live in Europe and Asia. An American beaver
tries to live in the middle of a lake. If a lake is not deep
enough, it has to build a dam to fill it up. A dam is made of
trees. Then it can have a home in a deep lake. An American beaver
stores food in its lodge, home, over the winter.
****Coyotes, wolves, bears, and wolverines
hunt beavers. Minks, owls, and hawks hunt kits, young beavers.
****American beavers build sophisticated
lodges with sticks and mud. They build underwater entrances.
If the water at the bottom of the pond freezes, there is no way
in or out. The beavers' ears and nostrils close when under water.
American beavers have transparent eyes which help to protect
their eyes.
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