Dam Fun Facts About Beavers

Beavers are large rodents known for their ability to transform environments by building dams. These structures create habitats that benefit various wildlife. Beavers build dams primarily for defense, using instinctive behaviors triggered by the sound of running water. Their teeth, which grow continuously, aid in their construction efforts. Beavers prefer non-woody plants but consume tree bark in winter. Their scent glands produce castoreum, historically used in food and perfumes. Beavers' ecological impact and unique characteristics make them fascinating creatures.

What is the primary reason beavers build dams?

• To attract other beavers

• For defense and habitat creation

• To create a habitat for fish

• To store food for winter

How do beavers respond to the sound of running water?

• They ignore it

• It triggers their dam-building behavior

• They move to a different location

• They start gathering food

What is unique about beaver teeth?

• They are white and grow slowly

• They are orange and grow continuously

• They are blue and stop growing after a year

• They are green and grow only in winter

What is the composition of the oil produced by beaver scent glands?

• It smells like citrus

• It smells like sweetened vanilla

• It smells like roses

• It smells like pine

What chemical found in willow bark is also present in beaver scent glands?

• Chlorophyll

• Tannin

• Caffeine

• Salicin