What does a beaver build?

Beavers and their dams play an important role in nature. Because of the dramatic effects their dams have on surrounding ecosystems, these mammals are considered a keystone species. By constructing dams they create wetlands-- lush environments which attract fish, ducks, frogs and other creatures. read more

The beaver (genus Castor) is a large, primarily nocturnal, semiaquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) (native to North America) and Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) . Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges (homes). read more

Beavers are the engineers of the rodent world. They fell trees by gnawing through their trunks, then use the branches to dam streams. The dams create a pond, in the middle of which the beaver family constructs an island made of more branches. The island, or beaver lodge, is a perfect home where the beavers are safe from predators. read more