My entry to #killerpix contest #27 by 
Beavers are natural engineers and built their lodge or dam out of mud combined with the branches and trees they have gnawed down with their large front teeth.
The beaver, known for large buck teeth and huge flat tail, changes the structure of the land with constant activity. Sometimes the beaver falls in disfavour with the continual harvesting of trees and blocking waterways with their logs and dam.
Part of the beaver’s diet is tree bark and trees are used to build their home/dam.
Beaver Dam
This beaver dam built in a swampy area was off the highway on the way to Souris, PEI. The area is full of cattails showing winter wear and snow is still in the swamp but there is open water around the dam.
Since beavers are nocturnal, they probably were sleeping when I took the photo.
My father was a forest ranger when I was a youngster and I remember going with him to remove some beavers from an area where their dam was blocking a stream. He had a large cage and took two beavers to another area. Being young I don’t remember much else about it. I recall being glad the beavers were not killed but relocated.
Beaver dams will not be seen as much anymore. The population of these peaceful natural engineers has declined from being hunted by humans for their fur and killed by predators.
Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T6
Settings: f/5. 1/250 1.55mm ISO 100
