Beaver is a photograph by Mitch Shindelbower which was uploaded on January 6th, 2014.
Beaver
The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is one of two extant beaver species. It is native to North America and introduced to Patagonia in South... more
Title
Beaver
Artist
Mitch Shindelbower
Medium
Photograph
Description
The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is one of two extant beaver species. It is native to North America and introduced to Patagonia in South America and some European countries (e.g. Norway). In the United States and Canada, the species is often referred to simply as "beaver", though this causes some confusion because another distantly related rodent, Aplodontia rufa, is often called the "mountain beaver". Other vernacular names, including American beaver[2] and Canadian beaver,[6] distinguish this species from the other extant beaver species, Castor fiber, which is native to Eurasia.This beaver is the largest rodent in North America and the second or third largest rodent in the world, after the South American capybara. The species' Eurasian counterpart, the European beaver reaches similarly large sizes. Adults usually weigh from 11 to 32 kg (24 to 71 lb), with 20 kg (44 lb) being a typical mass. The head-and-body length is 74–90 cm (29–35 in), with the tail adding a further 20–35 cm (7.9–14 in). Very old individuals can exceptionally exceed normal sizes, weighing more than 40 kg (88 lb) or even as much as 50 kg (110 lb).[7][8][9][10]
Like the capybara, the beaver is semi-aquatic. The beaver has many traits suited to this lifestyle. It has a large flat paddle-shaped tail and large, webbed hind feet reminiscent of a human diver's swimfins. The unwebbed front paws are smaller, with claws. The eyes are covered by a nictitating membrane which allows the beaver to see underwater. The nostrils and ears are sealed while submerged. A thick layer of fat under its skin insulates the beaver from its cold water environment.
The beaver's fur consists of long, coarse outer hairs and short, fine inner hairs (see Double coat). The fur has a range of colours but usually is dark brown. Scent glands near the genitals secrete an oily substance known as castoreum, which the beaver uses to waterproof its fur.
Before their near extirpation by trapping in North America, beaver were practically ubiquitous and lived from the arctic tundra to the deserts of northern Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.[11][12] Physician naturalist Edgar Alexander Mearns' 1907 report of beaver on the Sonora River may be the southernmost extent of the range of this North American aquatic mammal.[13] However, beaver have also been reported both historically and contemporaneously in Mexico on the Colorado River, Bavispe River and San Bernardino River.[14]
Skull of a North American Beaver found on San Francisco Bay shore
Uploaded
January 6th, 2014
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Comments (18)
Anna Pichuhina
Mitch, I think you have found the entrance to Narnia. Anyway, this guy exactly acted in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe))
Constance Lowery
Oh, how sweet! For the first time ever, I am seeing a beaver's paws. Hello, beaver.
Darlene Kwiatkowski
I just LOVE this little fella's personality!... He's always smiling and hamming it up for the camera! :))) Great catch, Mitch! fv
Laurie Search
Oh, what a great capture this is, Mitch!!!! He looks like he's talking, lol!!!! Wonderful work!!! :)))fv
Doris Potter
Oh Mitch! What a great shot. I dream of shots like this! Well done! Favorited.
Mitch Shindelbower replied:
Thank you Doris. Ya got lucky again there were 2 of them and from what my friend tells me the have some young ones so if I get really lucky there will be some photos of them later .