Interesting Facts About Beavers

Beavers are very industrious creatures. In fact they are often referred to as nature's architects. Read on to learn some interesting facts about beavers.

Beavers grow three to four feet long and weigh between forty and sixty pounds.

Beavers have five toes on their webbed feet.

A beaver's front teeth never stop growing.

The beaver's large front teeth enable them to cut and chew. Gnawing wood helps to wear them down.

Beavers can swim at an average of five miles per hour.

The beaver is a strong and intelligent animal. They can influence the environment similar to humankind.

A beaver can stay underwater for approximately fifteen minutes before coming up for air.

Beavers eat bark, roots, leaves and twigs.

The nose and ears of a beaver have valves that close when they go underwater.

The broad tail of a beaver functions as a rudder.

The lifespan of a beaver is approximately sixteen years.

Beavers have an average of two to four offspring per litter.

A beaver's offspring are called kits.

Beavers have thick heavy fur protected by long hairs called guard hairs to keep them warm in icy water.

Beavers are very clean animals and will not go to the bathroom in their living area.

Beavers are very vocal with their children. They even discipline their offspring.

By building dams beavers can influence and even change vegetation and animal life.

A beaver's teeth have a hard orange coating that helps to keep them from breaking.

Bears, wolves, coyotes, bobcats and other animals prey on beavers. Although these predators are very dangerous, human hunting and destruction of habitat are often the biggest threat to beavers.

A beaver's fur is naturally oily and waterproof.

Beavers are one of America's largest rodents.

Beavers are nocturnal animals.

The beaver is a family oriented animal living together in somewhat the same structure as a human family. Older offspring assist parents by tending to younger siblings. Beaver families often work together when building and felling large trees.