Common name : American Beaver
Scientific name : Castor canadensis
Family : Castoridae
Native to : North America and Europe
Interesting fact : They have been hunted for their fur as far back as the 17th century.
Conservation status : Critically Endangered
They are Nature’s own ‘engineers’, building dams and lodges in their riparian habitat of rivers and streams. They fell trees to build dams and homes, also younger trees are used for food. Some dead wood left behind in the process creates a haven for other animals. They partner for life with the females, sharing the responsibility of their kits and yearlings.
