Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences.
Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences.
A beaver pond is formed when a beaver builds a dam with trees within a stream. The dam causes the water to flow over the banks and slows down the water movement of the stream eventually creating a pond. The water can then support many plants, insects and animals. When the supply of food runs out the beaver abandons the area and a marsh, meadow or swamp may be established. Cattail and dead aspen trees are commonly seen at these sites.
Photo: Justin Stevenson
Beaver are specially adapted to spending much of their time in the water. Their nostrils and ears are closable, the hind feet are webbed, their fur is kept waterproof from an oil gland, and their eyes have a transparent membrane so they are able to see under the water. Their large round tail is used as a rudder while swimming.
Photo: Bill Banazewski