The beaver is New York State's official mammal. It is unmistakable due to its large body size and broad flattened tail , not to mention the characteristically altered habitat in which it resides.
A unique feature of the beaver is a second set of eyelids. The secondary eyelids, known as a nictitating membrane, are white and form an inner eyelid. Additionally, their ears and nose can close while underwater! Beavers have lips that close behind the incisors which allow them to gnaw underwater. These large incisors are continuously growing and are kept at a manageable length by the gnawing action beaver use to gather food. Their rich, dense fur ranges in color from yellow-brown to almost black. Webbed hind feet serve to compliment the extraordinary swimming ability of the beaver. The second hind toe has a split nail, which appears to aid in grooming.
The beaver's tail is flat, which helps them swim throughout aquatic habitats. It serves other purposes as well. The tissue beneath the scaly outer layer, which is actually compressed, grouped hairs, contains many blood vessels at its base. It serves as a thermoregulatory tool (helps them to maintain a consistent body temperature). Blood flows from the surface of the tail, thereby minimizing heat loss. It also assists in fat storage.
Beaver rarely leave the water for long periods of time. They can be found in wooded streams; the margins of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs; swamps and marshes; and many other sources of year-round water. Ideally, waterways will be of low gradient with an abundance of aspen, willow, or alder, as well as a variety of aquatic vegetation.
The beaver's diet consists almost entirely of cellulose in the form of woody plant material. Woody plants are nearly indigestible to mammals. Beavers eat the leaves, bark and twigs of trees such as aspen, willow, and red maple and a variety of herbaceous plants. During summer months, their dietary preferences may shift to aquatic vegetation including water lilies and rhizomes from shoreline ferns.
As winter draws near, beaver may collect and store food items, called a raft'or feedpile, underwater near the entrance to their lodge to use throughout the winter. This food store is imperative for survival when thick ice prevents access to fresh food during New York's long winters.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.