The genus of Beavers (Castor) is apparently represented by a single
living species. By some authorities the American form is considered a
distinct species and is given the technical name Castor canadensis,
while the European form is called Castor fiber. In external
characteristics the two resemble each other very closely, and it is in
the study of the structure of the skeleton that the differences appear.
However, though there is this diversity of opinion, it is sufficient for
the reader to look upon the two forms as merely geographical races of
the same species, and that the Beaver is a native of the greater part of
the northern hemisphere. Though its home covered this extensive area, it
has disappeared from the larger number of localities that it once
frequented. Speaking of its range as a whole, it may now be considered
rare except in certain isolated localities. This extermination is due to
the advance of civilization upon its natural haunts, and the commercial
zeal that has stimulated the hunter to greater efforts to effect its
capture. Within recent years the Beaver was common in some of the Gulf
States. In 1876 it was reported as abundant in Virginia. It is evident
from an examination of the numerous writings regarding its distribution
that the Beaver formerly existed in great numbers not only in the
Atlantic States, but also to the westward as far as the Pacific coast.
The Beaver is a member of that large order of gnawing mammals called the
Rodentia, from the Latin word meaning to gnaw. In this order are classed
all those animals that have those peculiar long incisor teeth which are
constantly renewed by growth from the roots and as constantly worn to a
chisel edge, at the outer end, by gnawing. Such animals are squirrels,
the gophers, the mice, the rats, the muskrats, the porcupines, the hares
and the rabbits.
The habits of the Beaver are very interesting. Several years are
required before its growth is fully attained, and it will increase in
size after the teeth are fully mature. “Two-year-old Beavers generally
weigh about thirty-five to forty pounds, while very old ones
occasionally attain a weight of upwards of sixty. Morgan records the
capture of one which weighed sixty-three pounds. The increase in the
size of the skull seems to continue nearly through life; in old age the
skull not only acquires larger dimensions, but the weight is relatively
greater in consequence of the increased thickness and density of the
bones. The ridges for the attachment of muscles also become more
strongly developed in old age.”
The general color of the back of the Beaver is a reddish brown. The
shade varies both with the seasons and with the geographical location.
Those found farther to the northward are usually darker. Albinos, either
pure white, nearly white or with white blotches, have been observed.
“The fur consists of an exceedingly thick, flaky, woolly coat of silky
softness and a thin, long outer coat composed of strong, stiff, shining
hair, short on the head and rear part of the back and over two inches
long on the rest of the body.” The tail, which is rounded at the base,
much flattened and very broad, bears horny, dark-colored scales.
The fore legs are short and the feet are unwebbed. The hind legs are
much stronger, the feet are fully webbed and they, alone, are used, with
the aid of the tail, to propel the Beaver through the water. In the
water it is graceful in its motions, but on the land, like nearly all
animals that are fitted for a partially aquatic life, it is clumsy and
awkward and its motions are neither rapid nor uniform.
[Illustration: ]
Usually it is only in those districts that are remote from the
habitations of man that the Beaver lives in colonies, consisting of
several families, and builds its “lodges.” Nearer civilization it lives
in burrows or tunnels. In the building of their homes, as well as in the
storing of a supply of food, the female is the most active and is the
practical builder, while the male assists.
Brehm writes interestingly regarding the Beaver. He says: “After mature
deliberation the animals select a stream or pool, the banks of which
afford them ample provender and seem specially adapted for the
construction of their ‘lodges.’ Those which live singly dwell in simple
subterranean burrows, after the manner of otters; societies, which
generally consist of families, as a rule construct houses and, if there
should be a necessity for it, dams, in order to hold back the water and
preserve it at a uniform height. Some of these dams are from four
hundred and fifty to six hundred feet long, from six to nine feet high,
from twelve to eighteen feet thick at the base and from three to six
feet at the top. They consist of logs varying in size from the thickness
of an arm to that of a thigh and from three to six feet long. One end of
the log or stake is thrust in the ground, the other stands upright in
the water; the logs are fastened together by means of thin twigs and
made tight with reeds, mud and earth, in such a way that one side
presents a nearly vertical, firm wall to the stream, while the other
side is sloped. From the ponds rising above the dams, canals are
constructed to facilitate the carrying or floating of the necessary
construction materials and food. Beavers do not forsake a settlement
they have founded unless the direst necessity compels them to do so.
Beavers’ lodges, the origin of which dates very far back, are often
found in lonely woods.”
The Beaver usually feeds upon the bark of the younger branches of trees
and shrubs and upon their leaves. It will also strip the older branches,
in a very skillful manner, and eat the inner tender portion of the bark.
During the fall and early winter months they work constantly in
preparing and storing, in the neighborhood of their lodges, the winter’s
supply of food. “Each cabin has its own magazine, proportioned to the
number of its inhabitants, who have all a common right to the store and
never pillage their neighbors.”
The American Indians look upon the Beaver with great respect. They
believe that it is possessed of a degree of intelligence second only to
that of man. Some Indians even assert that it possesses an immortal
soul. Its sagacity is certainly very strong and it will easily adapt
itself to changed environments. Unlike the other rodents, it seems to
reason before acting and will build its habitations in the form that the
surrounding conditions demand for the construction of the most durable
home.
The Beaver, especially when young, is quite easily domesticated. Various
writers speak of finding tame Beavers in Indian villages, where they
seemed to be perfectly at home and contented. They were allowed full
liberty. “They seemed to feel quite comfortable in the society of the
Indian women and children; they grew restless in their absence and
showed much pleasure on their return.”
The young, which number from two to three, are born blind, but are
covered with fur. They usually obtain their sight in from eight to ten
days, and are then led to the water by the mother.
Early in the nineteenth century Dr. George Shaw wrote as follows
regarding the habits of the Beaver: “They collect in September their
provisions of bark and wood; after which they enjoy the fruits of their
labors, and taste the sweets of domestic happiness. Knowing and loving
one another from habit, from the pleasures and fatigues of a common
labor, each couple join not by chance, nor by the pressing necessities
of nature, but unite from choice and from taste. They pass together the
autumn and the winter. Perfectly satisfied with each other, they never
separate. At ease in their cabins, they go not out but upon agreeable or
useful excursions, to bring in supplies of fresh bark, which they prefer
to what is too dry or too much moistened with water.”