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North American Beaver

Least concern conservation status
OrderRodentia
FamilyCastoridae
GenusCastor
Binomial nameCastor canadensis
North American Beaver range map
Range of North American Beaver shown in blue.

The North American beaver is a nocturnal semiaquatic mammal and the largest rodent in North America. They live in colonies, and have orange teeth because which contain a lot of iron.  This makes their teeth stronger than regular teeth.

They are well know for building dams, canals, and lodges. Their color is dark brown, and they  measure from 74 to 90 cm, weighing from 11 to 32 kg.

The beaver is a herbivore and eats bark, cambium, roots, buds, and water plants. The North American beaver lives in forests (near water bodies) in the northern parts of North America, with a lifespan between 10 to 15 years.