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Beavers don’t just live off of the land—they modify it to fit their needs.
Known as the “engineers of the animal world,” a single beaver can
chew down hundreds of trees each year. Observe the Minnesota Zoo’s
groundbreaking exhibit where you can view them building their den, raising
young, and swimming above and below the water.
Description: Head and body length: 61-74 cm (24-29 in);
tail: 30-46 cm (12-18 in); scaly part of tail: 23-30 cm (9-12
in) long, 11-17 cm (4.5-6.5 in) wide; weight: 9-37 kg (20-80 lbs).
Among the largest and most interesting of rodents; broad flat
tail, large powerful incisor teeth are most distinctive features.
Heavy compact body carried low to the ground. Ears and nose valvular
(valve like), small eyes have nictating (winking) membranes. Strong,
clawed front feet fully webbed with claws split horizontally to
facilitate grooming of the fur. Base of tail furred and muscular.
Coloration: outer fur rich brown to burnt umber, under fur almost
black (stomach paler), face chestnut. Pelage is especially dense
and soft with longer, coarse guard hairs to protect it. Extremely
difficult to determine sex of the animal. Poor sight, excellent
hearing, smell and touch senses.
To learn more click here.
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