Eurasian Beaver

The Eurasian beaver is a heavy, semiaquatic rodent measuring 73–135 cm and weighing 13–35 kg. Its waterproof coat combines a dense gray underfur with longer reddish-brown guard hairs. The broad, flattened, scaly tail and webbed hind feet provide propulsion in water, while closable ears and nostrils and protective eye membranes assist diving. Large orange incisors cut woody vegetation, and a fold behind the teeth permits underwater gnawing. Males and females look similar, although females may be slightly larger. (Animal Diversity Web)

Eurasian beavers inhabit lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes, and swamps, usually in forested landscapes with permanent slow or still water. Mostly nocturnal, they live in family colonies occupying bank burrows or lodges made from sticks and mud. They build dams to regulate water depth and cache branches underwater for winter. Their herbivorous diet includes willow, aspen, birch, aquatic plants, shoots, bark, leaves, buds, and roots. Territorial animals mark shoreline mounds with castoreum and warn nearby beavers by slapping the water with their tails. (Animal Diversity Web)