Beaver

		SIZE

		HEIGHT:	12 in.
		LENGTH:	35.43 to 46.06 in.
		WEIGHT:	28.6 to 70.4 lbs.

		BREEDING

		MATURITY:	3 yrs.
		MATING:	January or February
		GESTATION:	3 months
		# OF YOUNG :	1-4 kits

		LIFESTYLE

		HABIT:	Nocturnal, monogamous, but if one mate dies, the other will "remarry", or seek out a new mate.
		DIET:	Herbivores (eat vegeatation only) and eat the tree bark, branches, and trunks from Poplar, Willow, and Aspen trees
		LIFESPAN:	10-20 years (23 years captivity)

		SCIENTIFIC NAME

		FAMILY:	Family: Castoridae Scientific Name: Castor canadensis

		GENERAL INFORMATION

		Beavers are found throughout all of North America except for the northern regions of Canada and the deserts of the southern United States and Mexico The Beaver is North America’s largest rodent. Beavers live in lodges, of which there are three types: those built on islands, those built on the banks of ponds, and those built on the shores of lakes. The island lodge consists of a central chamber, with its floor slightly above the water level, and with two entrances. One entrance opens up into the center of the hut floor, while the other is a more abrupt descent into the water. (Encarta, 2004) Beavers have dark brown fur; large chestnut colored incisors; a black scaly tail; and webbed hind feet. Beaver fur is water repellent. Their nose and ears have valves that allow them to close underwater, and a thin membrane covers each eye to protect the beaver while swimming under water. Beaver secrete Castorium, which is used in attracting a mate and marking territories, this is what gives the beaver its odd odor.

"I went to Bear Country U.S.A with my 4-h group and it was sooooooooooo awsome got tons of photos.We stayed in south Dakota for 6 days June 25- July 1. Thanks again for the fun."

Alissa
Wisconsin