Beavers are large rodents, found throughout Utah and much of the North America. They are well adapted to living in water, with oily fur, a paddle shaped tail, and webbed feet.
They have strong front teeth used for cutting down trees. These teeth keep growing so they never get worn down.
Beavers build dams that back up streams and form large ponds and wet meadows. They live in family groups in lodges also made of sticks and mud, built near these dams.
They are active at night, coming out to cut down and eat the bark and other woody materials from trees that live near streams and rivers.
Cool Fact:
Beavers almost disappeared in Utah in the 1800s because so many were trapped.
They are now valued as “natural engineers” who can help restore river systems damaged by development or erosion.
