Beavers are gigantic living rodents in North America. The adult weighs approximately 40 pounds, including the tail, and measures more than 3 feet in length. They have webbed hind feet, sharp teeth, and a broad, relatively flat tail that can be 15 inches long and 6 inches wide.
These rodents are also active on the water, swimming and diving for hours daily. They are primarily known for constructing dams for defense against predators.
Their long tail has both land and waterside usage. In water, when threatened by an attacker, it makes a loud noise with its tail. This noise warns members of its colony that danger is near and may serve to deter predators.
When on land, the tail acts as a prop for this critter when sitting or standing upright. And as a balance and support, it walks on its hind legs and carries building materials with its mouth, front legs, and paws.
Bears, bobcats, coyotes, cougars, dogs, and wolves kill them while foraging on land or migrating across the water.
Also, the harsh winter weather conditions, starvation, rising water levels, and falling trees can kill them. However, the giant predator remains humans that trap this pest for their furs.
These critters are nocturnal but are sometimes active during the day. They do not appear to sleep, but they are sluggish in winter, spending most of their time in the lodge or den.
A mated pair of beavers can live peacefully together for many years, sometimes for life.