Beaver vs. Tree Squirrel

Attribute	Beaver	Tree Squirrel
Species	Castor canadensis	Sciurus carolinensis
Habitat	Aquatic environments	Forests, urban areas
Diet	Herbivorous	Herbivorous
Size	Large, up to 70 lbs	Small, up to 1 lb
Tail	Flat, scaly	Bushy

Physical Attributes

Beavers are large rodents known for their distinctive flat tails and webbed feet. They have a stocky build and can weigh up to 60 pounds. Their fur is waterproof and varies in color from dark brown to reddish-brown. Beavers have sharp teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives, allowing them to gnaw through wood easily. On the other hand, tree squirrels are much smaller in size, typically weighing between 1 to 2 pounds. They have long bushy tails that help with balance and communication. Tree squirrels come in a variety of colors, including gray, red, and black.

Habitat

Beavers are semi-aquatic animals that build dams and lodges in freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, and ponds. They use their dam-building skills to create ponds that provide protection from predators and easy access to food. Beavers are most commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, are arboreal creatures that live in trees and wooded areas. They build nests, called dreys, out of twigs and leaves high up in the branches. Tree squirrels are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to urban parks.

Diet

Beavers are herbivores that primarily feed on tree bark, leaves, and aquatic plants. They are known for their ability to cut down trees with their powerful teeth and jaws. Beavers also store food underwater near their lodges for the winter months when food is scarce. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, have a more varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. They are known for their habit of burying nuts and seeds in the ground for later consumption. Tree squirrels are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever food is readily available.

Behavior

Beavers are social animals that live in family groups consisting of a monogamous pair and their offspring. They are known for their engineering skills and ability to modify their environment to suit their needs. Beavers are most active at dawn and dusk, spending much of their time building and repairing dams. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, are solitary animals that are territorial and will defend their home range from other squirrels. They are agile climbers and spend much of their time foraging for food in the treetops. Tree squirrels are most active during the day, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon.

Reproduction

Beavers mate for life and typically produce one litter of kits per year. The female beaver gives birth to 1 to 6 kits in the spring, which are cared for by both parents. Young beavers stay with their parents for up to two years before dispersing to find their own territory. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, have a shorter gestation period and can produce multiple litters of pups per year. The female squirrel gives birth to 2 to 8 pups in a nest lined with soft materials. The young squirrels are weaned at around 10 weeks old and become independent shortly after.

Conservation Status

Beavers were once heavily hunted for their fur and castoreum, a secretion used in perfumes and medicine. As a result, beaver populations declined significantly in the past. However, conservation efforts have helped to protect and restore beaver habitats, leading to population recovery in many areas. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, are not considered threatened or endangered. They are adaptable animals that can thrive in a variety of habitats, including urban environments. While tree squirrels may face threats from habitat loss and predation, their populations remain stable overall.