Castor canadensis, beaver

In areas where cottonwoods and willows are plentiful, there are apt to be beaver. The bark and tender new growth of both of these plant species is the preferred food choice of the beaver. Small streams supplying necessary water to the cottonwoods can be converted into prime habitat for the beaver by its own initiative. While it may seem at first that beavers occur in areas where ponds are preexisting, it is often the reverse. Beavers are one of the greatest contractors for the development of wetland habitats. Chains of lakes and ponds are frequently observed from the air. As one region becomes depleted of its resources for beaver survival, another is created. The water in the wetland system serves mainly as an aid to transportation of their food supply. Their lodges built out of the same plant material serves also as a pantry. Beaver literally can eat themselves out of house and home.