Beavers Are the Hardest Workers

Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges. Their colonies create one or more dams to provide still, deep water to protect against predators and to float food and building material. The beaver population decline is the result of extensive hunting for fur, for glands used as medicine and perfume, and because the beavers' harvesting of trees and flooding of waterways may interfere with other land uses. Beavers have webbed hind-feet, and broad, scaly tails. Beavers do not have good eyesight, but they possess good senses of smell, hearing, and touch. Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives so as not to be worn down by chewing wood. Their powerful front teeth are used to cut trees and plants used by beavers for food and for constructing their homes. While slow on land, beavers are excellent swimmers and are able to stay under water for around 15 minutes. Beaver personalities are very creative. They desire to solve everything and take their time to do it right.