Inspiration in Algonquin: the Beaver

Out of all the Park’s wildlife, the beaver stands out as the most remarkable. Although relatively small creatures (adults only weigh from 15 to 30 kg), these industrious animals make massive changes to their environment to suit their own needs. In this respect, they’re closest to us humans, who also modify our habitat to maximize food sources and minimize threats. Visitors to the Park are no strangers to the beaver dam, but many don’t realize the amount of labour and engineering that goes into its construction. Using their razor sharp teeth, beavers fell trees, then drag the woody branches and logs to the dam site, where they drive the materials into the stream bed to form the foundation. Once the foundation is secure, beavers use sticks, mud, bark, stones, leaves, and plants to build the dam. That barrier traps running water, flooding an area of forest and creating a new, nutrient-rich wetland which will provide a protective habitat for the beaver and become home to a number of plants and animals.

Featured Art: Jennifer Pimentel, “Beaver”