Beaver

Description:

The beaver (genus Castor) is a primarily nocturnal, large, semi-aquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) (native to North America) and Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) (Eurasia). Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges (homes). They are the second-largest rodent in the world (after the capybara). Their colonies create one or more dams to provide still, deep water to protect against predators, and to float food and building material. The North American beaver population was once more than 60 million, but as of 1988 was 6–12 million. This population decline is due to extensive hunting for fur, for glands used as medicine and perfume, and because their harvesting of trees and flooding of waterways may interfere with other land uses. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaver

Habitat:

North American Waterways and back water habitats. They actually create their own habitat, thereby improving the flooded area for many other species. (even though it's thought that this may be detrimental to many other species it's quite a positive thing as they do their part as nature intended).

Notes:

I've spent a week chasing these guys. I was finally able to capture some "decent" images, not the best or even the closeups that I was hoping for, but one takes what one can get. I spent a total of six hours at the dam waiting for them to come fix the small leak I sprung at the top of the dam. During this time, the beavers came to check on the leak, and were very leery of my presence. Every time the flash would go off in the first couple of hours it would spook them and they would tail slap and swim off for awhile then come back. Finally 4 Beavers showed up, two behind me, checking me out while two others took turns mending the dam. These are a few of the images I was able to capture. Side note: Beavers exhibit highly intelligent curiosity and use many varied techniques when confronted with something that they are unsure of. The beavers would swim close, dive down and away, then swim close again, trying to figure me out. They would tail slap so close that they were actually spraying me with water. One of them swam right up to me, dove down and then blew bubbles up at me. It was a great joy to watch them behave in this manner and finally get used to the idea that I was there, and that I was not a threat to them. One of the most exciting and immensely rewarding times I have spent in the woods to date!!! (also see my most recent Great Blue Heron Spotting for more excitement as the Heron paid me a visit during my time out there as well).