The Beaver

Extra large rodent

Castor canadensis is North America's largest rodent. With 25 subspecies, the beaver can vary in length from 73 to 130cm, and can weigh anywhere from 18 to 32kg. This superb swimmer is as comfortable in water as on land, and can even hold its breath for 15 minutes! Its incisors never stop growing - chewing wood actually keeps these cutting teeth filed down. Life span is about five years.

Seasons, diet and the life cycle

A nocturnal mammal, the beaver does most of its work at dawn or dusk. Mating occurs in winter, and the young kits are born after three months of gestation. Families contain between five and eight individuals living in lodges they build in waterways near wooded areas. Beavers eat the bark of willow and aspen trees, as well as aquatic plants, twigs, roots and other vegetation. They gather food during the summer and spend winters feeding in the comfort of the lodge.

Furry engineers

With ingenious style, the beaver adapts its environment to its needs. It keeps the entrance to its lodge hidden from predators by building dams and controlling water levels. Through a system of canals, teams of beavers pile up branches, stones and earth across waterways. The lodge's interior is fashioned of dry materials and ventilated through an air hole.

While craftily built, beaver dams can occasionally cause flooding and landslides that affect nearby communities. On the other hand, the beaver's landscaping efforts help control river flows, limiting erosion and enriching the soil.

Decline and comeback

Beavers were found throughout North America before the fur trade. From about 10 million at the beginning of European colonization, their numbers plunged to only 500,000 at the end of the 19th century. Since they were not migratory animals, hunters had to gradually move westward as they depleted communities in the east. Thanks to conservation efforts - and the decline of the fur trade - beaver populations have rebounded. Some areas are even considered overcrowded. Trapping continues, but on a much smaller scale than in the past.

Precious commodity

Because of its value in the fur trade, the beaver has contributed like no other animal to Canada's growth. Not surprisingly, it became an important symbol for the trading companies. Members of the North West Company even named their private association the Beaver Club. The animal was also a monetary unit used to set the price of trading goods. The currency was based on the value of a beaver pelt of the finest quality.

Familiar emblem

The clever and industrious beaver is today the country's representative animal, turning up on stamps, five-cent coins and even in the logo of Parks Canada.

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