"BEAVER SHORES"

Beaver (North American) - 9 Photos

Beavers are more versatile than one might think. Most individuals know that they are superb swimmers with the ability to hold their breath under water theoretically for 15 minutes, although generally it is only for shorter periods of 5 to 6 minutes.

But they are also adept at standing on their hind legs, useful when harvesting trees, either during the chewing process or hauling/pulling fallen trees across dams or other obstacles on the way back to ponds. And sometimes being able to stand on your hind legs is useful in reaching those hard to get to fresh greens (Photo #8). That back end counterweight, i.e. the beaver's tail, is useful for balancing in those circumstances.

Although beavers may appear clumsy and awkward while just walking, they can come close to an actual run on dry land, in the event of potential danger. And when walking, there comes a degree of manoeuverability and flexibility when circumventing rocks on shorelines (Photo #1 through Photo #7).

But a quick swim into a marsh area is probably one of the easiest & safest ways to enjoy a Spring meal before proceeding with the evening's tasks (Photo #9).

PHOTO #1

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PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9