Wikipedia:Today's featured article/April 7, 2023

Beavers are large, semiaquatic rodents of the Northern Hemisphere. There are two extant species: the North American (pictured) and Eurasian beaver. Both have stout bodies, large heads, chisel-like incisors, hand-like front feet, webbed back feet and flat, scaly tails. The Eurasian beaver has a longer skull, lighter color and narrower tail. Both are found in freshwater habitats, and are herbivorous, consuming plants and tree bark. They build dams and lodges using tree branches, vegetation, rocks and mud. Their infrastructure has a great impact on the surrounding environment. Adults live in monogamous pairs with their offspring. Beavers are territorial and scent-mark with a secretion called castoreum. Historically, beavers were hunted for their fur, meat and castoreum. Overhunting nearly exterminated both species. With protection, populations have rebounded, and both are listed as least-concern species on the IUCN Red List. The beaver symbolizes industriousness and is Canada's national animal.