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(Castor canadensis). Patient Number 24-317.
Date of admission: May 29, 2024.
Reason for admission: Developmental.
Patient History:
The North American beaver is a semi-aquatic mammal found throughout the majority of the United States and Canada and is the largest rodent in North America. They can grow to weigh between 25 and 70 pounds and have very distinct features which make them easily recognizable. They are known for their webbed feet, long front teeth which they keep short by gnawing on trees, and their long, flat, black tails. These tails not only help it to swim faster but are also used to make alarm calls to signal danger by slapping it against the water. They are monogamous and typically mate for life.
Beavers are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night; they have an excellent sense of smell but have poor sight and hearing. Because they spend a lot of their time in the water, beavers are equipped with transparent eyelids which help them see underwater. They also have scent glands on their underside which secretes a liquid that covers their fur and makes it waterproof.
This North American beaver was rescued after being rejected by her parents. Whether due to a developmental issue or her mother’s inability to nurse, she was no longer accepted into the family. Now weighing 8.40 kg, she’s growing daily and is bright and alert, but it’s a long road ahead. In the wild, young beavers remain with their parents for 2–3 years before dispersing, so she will likely stay in our care until spring 2026.
Her diet currently consists of a variety of browse, with her favorites being poplar, aspen, and willow, and she’s also developed a liking for cattails, which were introduced a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for your generous support in making her care possible!