Beavers are ecosystem engineers, transforming the landscape by building dams.
They do this as they need deep water to build their homes, known as lodges, in. The dams raise the water levels of a river, with the lodges providing a safe shelter from predators.
- It can be seen from space, is the equivalent to 8 football fields and could be 45 years old - but we have no idea how many families call it home...
- US officials parachuted 76 beavers into the Idaho wilderness – then something astounding happened
By doing this, beavers can prevent flooding and soil erosion – and studies have shown that in areas where beavers thrive, surrounding vegetation was more resilient to wildfires.
And the biggest beaver dam in the world can even be seen from space.
- Looking for beavers? These are the tell-tale signs that a beaver is nearby
- How beavers are helping us fight climate change – one dam at a time
