"BUSY, BUSY"

Beaver (North American) - 10 Photos

Two different beaver families, two different activities & a surprise.

Both families are comprised of six adult beavers each. New additions to be determined at hopefully some later date.

The first family have somewhat of a long commute, albeit most of it by water from lodge to work sites. There is, however, one small stretch where they must exit the pond, traverse a dry incline down to water below (Photo #1 through Photo #3). From there, it's a swift beaver swim to construction sites. 

And just like some of us, the commute to work can be smooth or traffic jams might be encountered. Take this crew on their way for a night's evening of activity, for example (Photo #4). This happens to be 1/3 of the current work force.

And while other members of the team were busy, at least one beaver remained vigilant as a look-out. With the lush grasses now well over 3 feet in height, perhaps a slightly taller beaver might have been a better choice. :) (Photo #5). 

The second family also has six adult members. As for new arrivals, well that is a strong possibility. Photo #6 & Photo #7 are of Mrs. Beaver on a grocery shopping expedition. And how do I know this beaver is a "Mrs.", well you might check out Photo #9, follow the left side of photo down past the beaver's arms to just above waist level. Surprise - that appendage is a swollen mammary gland. Looks like someone might still be feeding little kit(s) and that newly harvested branch covered in fresh young leaves, would make a lovely treat to tantalize young beavers into a transition to vegetation. I wonder who was left at home to babysit?

You can just make out one mammary gland on the right side of Photo #7.  I have included another photo from a previous blog, which shows one on either side, something that I missed upon first viewing (Photo #10).

FAMILY #1

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4 - "1/3 of Tonight's Work Crew"

PHOTO #5 - "Can You See Me Now?"

FAMILY #2

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10