Castor canadensis
The largest North American rodent, the XXXXXX is indeed an active woodcutter and dam builder. But when xxxxxx populations get too high, they cause problems by cutting down valuable trees and flooding roads with their dams. XXXXXXs also spend a lot of time in the water, using their tails as rudders and propellers when swimming.
The XXXXXX is a perfect example of animal adaptation--in this case to an aquatic environment. Nose and ear valves shut as the animal submerges, an nictitating membranes--similar to those of birds-- serve as natural goggles to protect the eyes from irritation. Meanwhile, the lips close behind its front teeth, enabling it to carry a branch in
its mouth without drowning. XXXXXX can remain submerged as long as 20 minutes. The XXXXXX uses its broad, scaled tail as a rudder when swimming and as a sturdy prop on land.
If you live in Minnesota they are everywhere and they were responsible for many of the first European's coming to Minnesota.
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