North American Beaver

The North American beaver is a rodent native to North America, known for its impressive engineering skills. It builds dams and lodges using branches, sticks, mud, and stones to create ponds that protect it from predators and provide access to food during winter. Beavers are herbivores, mainly eating tree bark and aquatic plants. They play a vital ecological role by shaping waterways and wetlands, which benefits diverse plant and animal populations. Known for its thick, waterproof fur and large front teeth, the beaver is often called nature’s engineer due to its ability to significantly alter its environment.