Beavers are able to live on land and in water.
Beavers are able to live on land and in water.
Photograph by Kwiktor, Dreamstime

Beaver

Beavers are the largest rodents (gnawing animals) in North America.

Common Name:
Beaver
Scientific Name:
Castor canadensis
Type:
Mammals
Diet:
Herbivore
Group Name:
Colony
Average Life Span In The Wild:
Up to 24 years
Size:
Head and body: 23 to 39 inches; tail: 7.75 to 12 inches
Weight:
60 pounds

Beavers are the second largest rodents in the world, behind the South American capybara.

Beavers are powerful swimmers that can swim underwater for up to 15 minutes. As the beaver dips underwater, the nose and ears shut to keep water out. Transparent inner eyelids close over each eye to help the beaver see.