CANADIAN BEAVER
CANADIAN BEAVER Scientific Name: Castor canadensis Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Physical Adaptations: Large incisors for gnawing through wood Large, paddle shaped tail; functions as a rudder & to tap mud in place Hind feet are webbed Valves in it’s nose & ears that close when it goes under water
Behavioral Adaptations: Primary Diet: Most active on summer nights Tend to be less active during the winter, sleeping for long hours Breed in January & February Will slap the water with their tail when alarmed as warning to other beavers
Habitat/Biome: tree lined banks of ponds, lakes & streams
Distribution: Continental United States, Canada, & extreme Northern Mexico
Status: Common/area dependent Special Notes: IUCN Category: Lower risk/Least concern CITIES Listing: NA Threats Include: Habitat loss & destruction, human conflict over dam building & stream alteration by beaver activities.
Wild: bark, leaves, twigs & roots of willow aspen, poplar trees, aquatic plants, especially shoots. HERBIVORE
Fun Facts: The beaver’s tongue blocks their throat when they carry sticks underwater, preventing choking Incisors grow throughout a beavers’ life because of gnawing on wood One of the largest beaver dams was 10ft. high & 330 ft. long The dams they build across small streams form ponds
Additional Notes: Gestation: 100—110 days Weight: adult 30 to 70 lbs average is 40 lbs. Life Span: in captivity 20+ years Information Sources (03/2008): Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal facts World Conservation Red List Walkers Mammals of the World Ohio Division of Wildlife Web site
Behavioral Adaptations: Primary Diet: Most active on summer nights Tend to be less active during the winter, sleeping for long hours Breed in January & February Will slap the water with their tail when alarmed as warning to other beavers
Habitat/Biome: tree lined banks of ponds, lakes & streams
Distribution: Continental United States, Canada, & extreme Northern Mexico
Status: Common/area dependent Special Notes: IUCN Category: Lower risk/Least concern CITIES Listing: NA Threats Include: Habitat loss & destruction, human conflict over dam building & stream alteration by beaver activities.
Wild: bark, leaves, twigs & roots of willow aspen, poplar trees, aquatic plants, especially shoots. HERBIVORE
Fun Facts: The beaver’s tongue blocks their throat when they carry sticks underwater, preventing choking Incisors grow throughout a beavers’ life because of gnawing on wood One of the largest beaver dams was 10ft. high & 330 ft. long The dams they build across small streams form ponds
Additional Notes: Gestation: 100—110 days Weight: adult 30 to 70 lbs average is 40 lbs. Life Span: in captivity 20+ years Information Sources (03/2008): Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal facts World Conservation Red List Walkers Mammals of the World Ohio Division of Wildlife Web site
