"BEAVER IN TRAINING"

Beaver (North American) - 3 Photos

Beavers definitely look much bigger outside the water than they do while swimming when most of their bodies are submerged (Photo #1).  When you have an adult and a one year old next to each other on land, it's easier to determine ages.

This beaver is probably just a year or so old but learning the "beaver tools of the trade" begins early, probably as soon as they can swim and carry a small bunch of grass or a twig through the water. 

Some of the other family members were busy completing dam repairs but this youngster was obviously given the task of roof repair to the lodge. There were a few trips gathering material, climbing up to place each branch strategically on top of the lodge and returning to the water (Photo #2 & Photo #3).  

On one of the expeditions to the top of the lodge, a noisy cycle group rode through a nearby area, which sent the youngster back into the water. It took a little time before he/she returned to the job at hand. An adult probably wouldn't have minded as the cyclists were some distance away but it was good that this beaver erred on the side of caution. Better to be safe than sorry as there aren't many "do overs" in nature.

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3