Beaver Skull – Castor sp.

The aquatic beaver is the largest rodent in North America. It can weigh up to 60lbs and is an excellent swimmer, using its webbed feet and paddle-like tail to propel itself through the water. Its chisel-like incisors protrude in front of its lips, allowing it to work underwater with its mouth closed.

Its ears and nose have valves to shut out water, allowing it to stay submerged for up to 15 minutes. Beavers are known for building large dams, canals, and homes. Their dams create pools of deep, still water that protect them against predators like coyotes, wolves, and bears.

A beaver's incisors will never stop growing, and so beavers must always have wood to chew to prevent their teeth from growing too long!