The North American beaver is the largest rodent in North America and is second largest in the world behind the South American capybara. The Eurasian beaver is slightly larger than the North American species, but the American beaver has the maximum size records.

Adults usually weigh 24-71 pounds and measure 29-35 inches long not counting their large tails that can add another 13 inches.

The North American beaver is semiaquatic. The back feet are webbed while the front feet are smaller, clawed, and dexterous. The North American beaver also has membranes that cover their eyes to see while submerged, the ability to seal their nostrils and ears, and are capable of gnawing underwater by keeping their lips closed behind their front teeth!

Their front paws can be used for digging but are also so dexterous that they can fold and rotate bark and leaves while crafting and eating.

During the winter months, the cold water has no effect on the beavers. Not only do they have a thick layer of fat, but they also have a coarse outer coat and fine inner coat. Their hairs are coated with oil to keep them waterproof as well. Regardless of location, the North American beaver only comes in shades of brown.

As their name suggests, they are native to North America but have been introduced to areas of South America and Europe. The North American beaver lives in or around freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, etc. where they can construct lodges and dams.

The North American beaver is an herbivore. They prefer to eat the herbaceous plants when they are in season. During the winter, the beaver’s diet shifts to woody plants and whatever food was saved up before winter. Eating tough, woody material is important for beavers since it keeps their ever-growing incisors contained as well!

Mating season for North American beavers is between December and May; beaver pairs are monogamous and stay together for multiple breeding seasons. After mating, the female will remain pregnant for a little over 4 months before giving birth to 3-6 kits. Even though the kits have a developed coat and display adult behaviors early, they stay with their parents for at least 2 years to learn more complex lessons such as dam building.

The North American beaver is one of the only two living beaver species on earth, the other being the Eurasian beaver.

The North American beaver is not only an animal symbol of Canada but is also the official state mammal of Oregon.

These beavers can stay submerged underwater for up to 15 minutes.