Description
Beavers are expert dam builders and architects of aquatic ecosystems. Here's how they work: Building Dams: Beavers use their strong front teeth to cut down trees and branches, which they use to construct dams across streams and rivers. The dams create deeper water, which provides protection from predators and easier access to food. The dams also help control the flow of water, which can prevent flooding downstream. Creating Lodges: Beavers build lodges out of sticks and mud in the ponds created by their dams. The lodges have underwater entrances, which provide safety and protection from predators. Food Gathering: Beavers are herbivores, and they primarily eat bark, leaves, and twigs from trees and shrubs. They use their sharp teeth to strip bark from trees, and they store branches underwater near their lodges to eat during the winter months when food is scarce. Maintaining Dams: Beavers are constantly working to maintain and improve their dams. They patch holes and leaks with mud and sticks, and they add new material to the dam to keep the water level high. Overall, beavers are essential members of their ecosystems, as their dam building activities create habitats for a variety of other species, including fish, birds, and amphibians.