Animal Profiles
Mammals

Beaver

Castoridae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Beavers are semiaquatic rodents that alter waterways. This account describes the North American beaver (Castor canadensis), rather than its Eurasian relative.

Castor canadensis (beaver)

Representative species: Castor canadensis.

Nanosanchez · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
North American beavers inhabit ponds, lakes and streams across much of North America. Lodges and bank shelters provide dry resting chambers beside water.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes, Wetlands
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Bark, the growing tissue beneath bark, buds, roots and aquatic plants supply food.

Classification

Common name
Beaver
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Castoridae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Rodentia
Family
Castoridae
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its incisors grow throughout life.
  • Tail slaps can warn other beavers.
  • Families may build and maintain dams.

Habitat and range

North American beavers inhabit ponds, lakes and streams across much of North America. Lodges and bank shelters provide dry resting chambers beside water.

Appearance and adaptations

A broad, flattened tail and dense coat suit life in water. Large orange incisors cut woody material.

Diet and behaviour

Bark, the growing tissue beneath bark, buds, roots and aquatic plants supply food. Family groups defend territories using scent marks. Dams help maintain water around a lodge, and branches may be stored underwater for later feeding.

Sources

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