Beaver Studies
Added 2024-07-25 01:17:52 +0000 UTCNot super robust, mostly just trying to get an idea of their shapes!
Fun Facts:
They are one of the few animals who can actively change an ecosystem
They do actually eat tree bark. For some reason, I always thought that was a myth.
They have two pairs of lips! One in front of their front teeth, and one behind. This is so they can keep their mouths closed underwater, while still being able to gnaw on stuff.
They secrete an oily substance from scent glands located near their genitals called castoreum, which the beaver uses to waterproof its fur. When I was a kid, there was a common playground rumor that blue raspberry flavoring comes from beaver ass. Apparently, this is true. (Castoreum is used to flavor many things)
They were driven nearly to extinction by fur traders, but their species was saved simply because beaver fur went out of style.
They instinctively build dams whenever they hear running water. Ecologist once experimented with exposing beavers to a tape recorder playing running water sounds, which the beaver covered in sticks and mud.
The largest beaver dam discovered is more than twice the width of the hoover dam.
They can't breathe through their mouths.
Beaver kits typically remain with their parents for 2 years.
