Beavers : A Wildlife Handbook

✍ Scribed by Kim Long

• Publisher: Johnson Books
• Year: 2000
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 188
• Series: Johnson Nature
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

A combination illustrated field guide, fact book, and folklore collection, "Beavers" is a unique and practical guide to these amazing creatures, one of the most prolific natural builders in the animal kingdom. Beavers are one of the great wildlife success stories of the twentieth century. Hunted to near extinction in most of their traditional range in North America, populations of these mammals are now thriving in many areas. This concise handbook provides an accurate, informative portrait of beavers and their natural surroundings, making it a practical resource both for armchair naturalists and observers in the field. Included in this title are detailed guides to the behavior, biology, and ecological impact of this species. An important focus is placed on the reality of what beavers actually do compared to the myths that have been propagated for hundreds of years. Topics covered include beavers’ historic and contemporary range, their anatomy, fossil history, specialized body parts, reproduction, feeding habits, swimming skills, engineering skills, preferred habitats, food sources, year-round activities, identifying signs, predators, diseases, and survival instincts. "Beavers" also includes a fascinating study of the interrelation between these animals and human cultures, including world myths and legends and their significance to North American Indian tribes. Of special interest is their traditional importance as a food and fur source in the New World, one of the pivotal catalysts in the exploration of North America.

✦ Table of Contents

Beavers......Page 2
Contents......Page 4
Acknowledgments......Page 6
Introduction......Page 7
The Story of Beavers......Page 8
Native American Beavers......Page 15
Beaver Medicine......Page 27
Beaver Myths......Page 38
Beaver Vital Statistics......Page 40
Evolution......Page 49
Taxonomy......Page 54
Range......Page 60
Beaver Anatomy......Page 62
Fur......Page 66
Teeth......Page 67
Eyes......Page 69
Ears......Page 70
Feet and Legs......Page 71
Tail......Page 74
Glands......Page 76
Reproduction......Page 79
Beaver Size......Page 80
Beaver Food......Page 84
Communication......Page 102
Predators......Page 104
Locomotion......Page 106
Felling Skills......Page 110
Beaver Dams......Page 117
Beaver Lodges......Page 127
Territory......Page 135
The Ecology of Beaver Ponds......Page 140
Beaver Diseases......Page 147
The Great Beaver Trade......Page 149
Hunting Beavers......Page 158
Beaver Control......Page 163
Beaver Restoration......Page 168
Resources......Page 172
Bibliography......Page 174
B......Page 177
C......Page 178
D......Page 179
F......Page 180
H......Page 181
M......Page 182
N......Page 183
P......Page 184
S......Page 185
U......Page 187
Z......Page 188