International Beaver Day: Celebrating Beavers Around the World

When it comes to special occasions, April 7 has a little something for everyone! Not only is it No Housework Day and National Beer Day, it is also International Beaver Day. The annual “holiday” celebrates beavers (Castor canadensis) around the world while raising awareness about these amazing animals.

Beaver Facts

• Beavers are the largest living rodents in North America.

• Beavers mate for life (unless one dies then they find another mate.)

• Adult beavers can weigh up to 60 pounds and can be more than 4 feet long.

• Beavers have very large and sharp upper and lower incisors used to cut trees and peel bark.

• Found along rivers, lakes, ponds and streams, beavers can stay underwater for at least 15 minutes by slowing their heart rate.

• Considered nocturnal, they can be active during the day.

• Beavers typically live from five to 10 years in the wild.

• While severe winter, starvation, disease, floods and falling trees can be deadly for beavers, man is their major predator.

• Once prolific throughout North America, trapping in the 1800s nearly wiped out the species.

Sources:

Living with Wildlife: Beavers

Nature Works: Beavers