Meet the Beaver

Meet the Beaver. . , (Marker #1) , Meet the Beaver , A member of the rodent family that has adapted itself to work and live both on land and in the water. , , Beavers are large, weighing up to 60 pounds in Mississippi. Squat and with a low center of gravity, they are clumsy on land. , , (Marker #2) , Beaver Adaptations , The beaver has many special adaptations for life in the water. , , The beaver is a powerful swimmer with his webbed hind feet. His flat tail is a rudder. It also serves as a prop when he sits up, and is often used to “slap” a danger signal. , , Chisel-like cutting teeth are strong, sharp, prominent and self-sharpening. Beavers can gnaw under water without difficulty. Their lips seal out the water. , , Hearing: Keen , Sense of Smell: Acute , Vision: Supposedly excellent under water; only fair on land. , The beaver’s nose and ears contain valves which close when the animal dives and open when its head appears out of water. , , (Marker #3) , Master Builder , Beavers have a natural instinct for keeping busy. , , They can fell trees ... , , float logs to desired places through canals dug for the purpose ... , , build lodges and dens with underwater entrances and tunnels ... , , build dams to form ponds. One such dam in Mississippi measured 1,080 feet in length. , , The beavers’ service to good conservation practice far outweighs the damage they do. , , (Marker #4) , Habits Food , , Habits , Beavers usually pair in February and stay mated for life. , , Young beavers, called “Kits,” are born in May, completely furred and with eyes open. The average litter is four. , , Food , The diet of the beaver, mostly bark, changes with the seasons. , , Spring Menu , Sweetgum, Pine, Hophombeam. , , Summer Menu , Willow, Cottonwood, tender green plants. , , Fall Menu , Acorns, Buttonbush, Willow, Giant cane. , , Winter Menu , Ash, Elm, miscellaneous plants. , , Follow the nature trail to see beaver-cut trees, dams and examples of beaver food supply.