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1. Beavers are large semi-aquatic rodents
Beavers are around 70-100cm long with a tail of 30-40cm. They have stocky bodies, short legs with webbed toes and flat hairless tails. Their coat is thick and brown with a short, waterproof under coat. Eurasian beavers weigh between 18-30kg.
2. Over 85% of Eurasian Beavers live in Europe
Beavers were once widespread across Europe and Asia. They could be found from the UK to eastern Siberia. Now, over 85% of Eurasian beavers are found in Europe.
Beavers usually live in freshwater habitats surrounded by woodland, but they may be found in agricultural land or even built up areas. In England, they can be found on the River Otter in Devon, the Tamar, the Kent Stour, the Wye on the Welsh border and the Somerset levels, however this can change rapidly.
3. They have gnarly gnawing gnashers
Beavers have distinctive orange teeth due to iron in their enamel which makes their teeth strong enough to gnaw through wood.
4. They are super swimmers
Beavers can swim at speeds of up to five miles per hour. That is more than double the speed of the average human.
5. …And divers
Beavers can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes underwater. They also have a transparent third eyelid which protects their eyes when swimming underwater.
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