The Beaver Family

For several years I have watched a beaver family with interest and enjoyment.  Their industrious nature and interesting family dynamics make them among my favorite subjects.

In the next photos a beaver gnaws the bark from a fallen tree, while another eats small branches gathered from the submerged portion of the tree...

 

 

Beavers don't actually eat the wood of trees. Instead, they eat the cellulose, or inner bark, twigs, leaves, tender young branches, ferns, aquatic roots and crops, including corn and beans.

 

 

 

 

A young beaver follows an adult and learns to bring food to the den...

 

It enjoys a small snack along the way...

 

Beaver families interact through play and cooperative work...

 

This one strikes a pose that reminds me of a statue of a mediating Buddha...

 

 

Next it poses like the "Thinker" by Auguste Rodin...

 

 

If you are lucky enough to be able to observe these interesting animals, take a moment out of your day to connect with one of the most fascinating creatures in the natural world.