A large, heavyset animal that is well known for building dams in small rivers and streams, often producing sizable ponds. Beavers have short legs, large, webbed hind feet, and can commonly weigh as much as 60 lbs. Using their powerful jaws and large teeth, beavers can bring down medium-sized trees, using the branches in their dams and eating the tender bark and buds. Beavers also build dome-shaped lodges out of sticks and mud with tunnel entrances below water level. During the early 1900’s, beavers were trapped to near extinction for their prized coats, but have made a strong comeback since then.