The front incisors enable the beaver to cut through very large trees. Lips can be closed behind these incisors allowing the animal to eat twigs while underwater. Beavers are great architects. They build lodges in the center of bodies of water and dams to ensure they have open water during the winter months. Even when the water is ice covered, they must be able to access their lodges and food storage areas.
Beavers take only one mate during their lifetime.
Three or four kittens are born in May or June after a gestation period of 100 days. Kits are born with teeth already cut and a fully furred body. They can swim, walk and see at birth, though as a rule they do not leave the lodge for four to six weeks. They seek out a mate at the age of two years. Canadians are proud that the beaver is a symbol of this fine country.