Beaver

Castor Canadensis

The beaver is known to be industrious and is the national animal of Canada. Its pelt was highly valued from the 17th to the mid 19th Century, and the pursuit of this humble rodent was a driving force behind the early exploration of Canada, mainly by Europeans. Today it is featured on our nickel and on the coat of arms for Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Characteristics

The beaver is the largest rodent in North America and measures approximately 1.3 metres long – including its trademark flat broad tail, which measures from 0.3 to 0.4 metres. It can weigh from 18-23 kg (40-50 lbs). It is dark brown and has two layers of fur: an outer layer of “guard hairs” which are long and coarse and an inner layer of lighter, reddish-brown fur to insulate it from the weather…

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