Beaver Fun for Kids

Beavers are amazing animals that are known for building strong dams and cozy lodges in rivers and streams. With their big front teeth and flat tails, beavers are super builders and love to work hard. They are very good swimmers and spend lots of time in the water. Beavers are important animals that help nature by creating ponds and wetlands where many other animals can live.

Watch a Beaver in Action!

Beavers are always busy! Watch how they cut trees, build their homes, and swim in the water.

What is a Beaver?

Beavers are large, furry animals that love to build and swim. They have strong teeth and a wide, flat tail that helps them move in the water. Beavers are part of the rodent family, just like squirrels and mice.

• Beavers have big orange teeth that never stop growing.
• They use their teeth to cut down trees and build dams.
• Beavers are covered in thick fur to keep them warm in cold water.
• Their tails help them swim and balance while working.

Where do Beavers live?

Beavers live in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. They like to build their homes in rivers, ponds, and streams where they can find trees and plants nearby.

• Beavers build lodges out of sticks and mud in the middle of ponds.
• They make dams to stop water from flowing, creating safe homes.
• Beavers live in places with lots of trees and calm water.

What do Beavers eat?

Beavers are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. They love to chew on the bark of trees and eat soft plants that grow near the water.

• Beavers eat tree bark, leaves, twigs, and water plants.
• They really like trees like willow, birch, and aspen.
• In winter, they eat sticks stored near their lodges under the ice.

How big is a Beaver?

Beavers are big animals, almost as long as a small child.

• A beaver can grow to about 100 centimeters (1 meter) long, which is about as tall as a kitchen table.
• They can weigh up to 27 kilograms (60 pounds), about the same as a large bag of dog food.

What sound do Beavers make?

Beavers make many sounds like grunts, whines, and loud tail slaps on the water. They use these sounds to warn other beavers and to talk to their families.

Cool Beaver Facts

Beavers are full of surprises! Here are some cool facts about them:

• Beavers can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes.
• They have see-through eyelids that help them see while swimming.
• A beaver’s home has underwater doors to keep them safe from predators.
• Beaver dams can be longer than a football field.
• Beavers’ teeth are orange because they are very strong and full of iron.
• Beavers can close their ears and noses while underwater.
• Beavers help create ponds where fish, frogs, and birds can live.

Printables and Coloring Fun

Beavers are fun to color and even more fun to play with online. Check out these beaver activities:

• Download Beaver Coloring Page (PDF)

Beavers in the Eco-System

Beavers are very important animals because they help create wetlands where many other animals can live. They are not endangered, but they are protected in some places to make sure they stay safe.

• Beaver dams help clean water and create homes for fish, frogs, and birds.
• Beaver ponds help stop floods and keep rivers healthy.
• Beavers help make places where plants and animals can grow.
• There are many beavers in North America, but in some places, their numbers are smaller.

Ask a Grown-Up to Help You Learn More

Beavers are super interesting! Ask a grown-up to help you learn more by visiting these websites:

• National Geographic Kids: Beaver Facts
• Kiddle: Beaver Facts for Kids
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Beaver

Fun Questions About Beavers

Ways to Donate and Support Beavers

People can help protect beavers by keeping their homes safe, learning more about them, and supporting groups that take care of wild places where beavers live.

Support Beavers at Defenders of Wildlife