Beaver

The beaver (Castor canadensis) is the official national animal of Canada. Known for its industrious nature and impressive dam-building skills, the beaver symbolizes determination, hard work, and the country’s deep connection to nature and its colonial past.

Historical Significance

The beaver played a central role in Canada's early economic development:

• In the 17th and 18th centuries, the beaver pelt was the most valuable commodity in the fur trade.
• Fur trading companies like the Hudson's Bay Company used beaver pelts as currency.
• Beaver hats were in high demand in Europe, making the animal a cornerstone of trade relations between Europeans and Indigenous peoples.

National Recognition

• The beaver was declared an official symbol of Canada in 1975 through an act of Parliament.
• It appears on the Canadian nickel (5-cent coin) and in the insignia of government departments and universities.
• It's also featured in numerous historical documents, seals, and artistic works.

Symbolism

The beaver is admired for its:

• **Diligence and hard work** – Building dams, lodges, and changing landscapes
• **Resilience and resourcefulness** – Adapting to harsh environments
• **Contribution to early Canadian economy and identity**

Appearance in Canadian Culture

• The **5-cent coin** features a beaver sitting on a log.
• The **Hudson's Bay Company** and the **Canadian Pacific Railway** both featured beavers in their crests.
• Many **military and scout badges** feature beavers as symbols of industrious service.
• The **Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)** have used the beaver in internal symbols.

Environmental Role

Beavers are considered a **keystone species** in Canadian ecosystems:

• Their dams help create wetlands, which support biodiversity.
• Wetlands filter water and prevent soil erosion.
• Beaver habitats benefit birds, amphibians, and aquatic species.

Conservation Status

• Beavers were once nearly hunted to extinction due to the fur trade.
• Thanks to conservation efforts, their populations have rebounded and they now thrive across much of Canada.

Fun Facts

• A beaver’s front teeth never stop growing — they are self-sharpening.
• Beavers can remain underwater for up to **15 minutes**.
• The beaver’s flat tail helps with swimming, balance, and communication.

Related Pages

• National Symbols of Canada
• Maple Leaf
• Canadian Flag
• Canada's Wildlife
• Hudson's Bay Company
• Fur Trade in Canada

External Links

• Government of Canada – National Symbols

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More than just a rodent, the beaver represents the spirit of Canada — hardworking, resilient, and deeply tied to the land.