Did You Know? Fascinating Facts About Canada’s Beloved Beaver
Uncovering interesting facts and history of our National Symbol and its impact on Canadian life
When you think of Canada, the beaver is a symbol that likely comes to mind.
This remarkable creature has shaped our nation’s history and landscape. Here’s the story of how the North American beaver went from being hunted, trapped and traded to near extinction to making a triumphant return.
Meet the Beaver
The North American beaver is the largest rodent in Canada and the second-largest in the world.
Let’s learn more about them:
Habitat: Beavers live across Canada, especially near rivers, lakes, and ponds. They build homes called lodges and create dams in waterways.
Physical Features:
Tail:
Construction: Their strong, flat tails are used to pat mud into place on dams, keeping the entire structure sound and secure.
Swimming: Beavers use their tails as propellers and rudders when swimming.
Balance: On land, they prop themselves up with their tails when standing or sitting.
Teeth:
Beavers’ teeth never stop growing. They grind their upper and lower teeth against each other to keep them at a healthy size.
Chewing on wood all day also helps keep their teeth strong.
Swimming Abilities:
Underwater Chewing: Beavers can chew underwater without getting water in their lungs, thanks to a special flap at the back of their mouths.
Vision: They have clear membranes over their eyes, like goggles, to help them see underwater.
Breath-Holding: Beavers can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes while working underwater!
Nature’s Engineers
Beavers are famous for their incredible building skills:
Dams and Lodges:
They use branches, mud, and rocks to build dams, which create ponds and wetlands.
Their lodges are sturdy homes that keep them warm in winter.
Winter Preparations:
As colder months approach, the water around the lodge freezes along with a layer of mud and grass over it. This frozen barrier keeps out predators like lynx and wolves.
Communication and Safety
Beavers have some unique ways to communicate and protect themselves such as:
Tail Slapping:
If a beaver feels threatened, it will slap its tail on the water’s surface to warn other beavers in the area.
After the warning, it dives deep underwater to stay safe.
Social Life:
Beavers are highly social and live in family groups.
They communicate using a mix of whistles, snarls, and chirps.
Young beavers, called kits, help their parents with building and gathering food.
The Beaver and Canada’s History
Long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous peoples valued the beaver.
Indigenous Myths:
Haida Myth: Beavers are descended from the Beaver-Woman, who built a dam next to her cabin while her husband was hunting and gave birth to the first beavers.
Cree Story: The Great Beaver and its dam caused a world flood.
Lakota Tale: A young woman escapes her evil husband with the help of her pet beaver.
Importance:
Beavers provided fur for clothing, bones for tools, and meat for food.
A substance from their glands was used as bait for hunting other animals.
The Fur Trade Era
In the 1600s, beaver pelts became highly valuable in Europe for making waterproof felt hats.
Beavers have also been hunted for meat and castoreum. Castoreum a liquid substance excreted through the beaver's urethra-based castor sacs to mark their territory, has been used in things like medicine, perfume, and food flavouring.
Economic Boom:
The fur trade became Canada’s most important industry for over two centuries.
Trading posts were established across the country.
Conflict and Exploration:
Competition for beaver pelts led to wars among Indigenous peoples and between European powers.
The fur trade drove exploration and territorial claims in Canada.
Near Extinction:
Over-trapping led to a dramatic decline in beaver populations.
By the mid-1800s, beavers had nearly disappeared from the Canadian landscape.
Conservation Efforts and Recovery
Realizing the beaver was close to extinction, measures began to be taken around the turn of the early-mid 1900s.
Protection Laws:
Hunting regulations were put in place to protect beavers.
Population Rebound:
Today, beavers have made a significant comeback and are found throughout Canada.
Estimates suggest there are between 6 and 12 million beavers now.
Environmental Impact:
Their return has helped restore wetlands and increased biodiversity thanks to their dam-building activities.
Why Beavers Matter
Beavers are a “keystone species,” meaning they play a crucial role in their ecosystem.
Creating Wetlands:
Beaver dams slow down water flow, creating ponds that become habitats for many species.
Increasing Biodiversity:
Wetlands support a variety of plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Beaver ponds provide safe places for ducks to nest and for fish to thrive.
Environmental Benefits:
Wetlands help filter water and prevent floods.
The beaver’s activities promote a healthier and more diverse environment.
Fun Facts About Beavers
The world’s longest beaver dam is nearly 800 meters long and is located in Alberta’s Wood Buffalo National Park.
The average beaver dam is about 100 meters in length.
They have a natural instinct to build dams when they hear the sound of running water.
Beavers are monogamous and live in family groups. Young beavers help their parents with building and gathering food.
The Beaver in Canadian Culture
The beaver is a national symbol and holds a special place in our Canadian identity.
Official Emblem:
Declared an official symbol of Canada on March 24, 1975.
Historical Significance:
Featured on Canada’s first postage stamp in 1851.
Appears on the Canadian nickel.
In Business and Media:
Used in logos for companies like the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Appears in Indigenous art, such as totem poles.
Symbolism:
Represents hard work, determination, and the ability to shape the environment.
Challenges and Coexistence
While beavers are beneficial to the environment, they can sometimes cause problems that make it challenging to share space with.
Flooding:
Their dams can flood roads and properties.
Tree Damage:
Beavers may chew down valuable trees in parks and backyards.
Solutions:
Beaver Management:
Communities use special devices to control water levels without harming beavers.
Fencing and protective coverings can safeguard trees.
An Ode to the Beaver
The North American beaver is more than just an animal; it’s a key part of Canada’s heritage and environment.
Its story of near extinction and remarkable recovery shows the importance of conservation and our connection to wildlife. By understanding and appreciating the beaver, we honour a symbol that has helped shape our nation as well as the lives of the Indigenous peoples who have lived on the land since time immemorial.
Did You Learn Anything New About Our Furry Friend?
Take a sec. to type a quick comment and share your beaver tales. I love reading your comments and look forward to receiving them.
And then, have a rad rest of your day!
Sources used to research this story
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/official-symbols-canada.html
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/beaver
https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-we-do/resource-centre/featured-species/mammals/beaver.html
https://www.ontarioparks.ca/parksblog/the-beaver-architect-of-biodiversity/