Description: Large rodent, weighing from 28 to75 pounds. Dark brown fur, large exposed incisors, smallish "hand-like" front paws. Large, flat, scaly tail 15 inches long and up to 7 inches wide.

Habitat: Found in the forest, along former streams which the beaver dams to create a pond.

Feeding: Feeds mostly on the cambium of trees including alder, willow, aspen and cottonwood, also on the leaves, buds and twigs.

General: Uses its large incisors to cut down trees with which it then constructs first a dam and then a lodge. Live in family groups which include the breeding pair and several of their offspring of various ages (newborn to two years). The large tail has several purposes, including fat storage, a rudder when swimming, thermal regulation and to slap on the water as a warning to other animals.

References: Rezendes, Paul. 1992. Tracking & the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks & Sign. Camden House Publishing Inc. Charlotte, Vermont.

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