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More About Beavers ...
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Beavers are semi-aquatic rodents native to North America and Europe. They are the only members of the family Castoridae, which contains a single genus, Castor. Genetic research has shown the European and North American populations to be distinct species and that hybridization is unlikely.
The European Beaver (Castor fiber) was hunted almost to extinction in Europe, both for fur, and for castoreum, a secretion of its scent gland believed to have medicinal properties. However the beaver is now being re-introduced throughout Europe. Several thousands live on the Elbe, the Rhone and in parts of Scandinavia. They have been reintroduced in Bavaria and are tending to spread to new locations. The beaver became extinct in Britain in the sixteenth century, but there are proposals, and a great deal of interest, in reintroducing the European Beaver to Scotland.
The American Beaver (C. canadensis) is the national animal of Canada and is depicted on the Canadian five-cent piece and coat of arms. However, in several areas of that country, it is considered a pest animal.
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Taxonmony
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Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Castoridae
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Source: Wikipedia Read more about Beavers
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STOCK PHOTO DIRECTORY
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Beaver
Richard Baetsen
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