What is the difference between a beaver and mountain beaver?

While the name might suggest a close relationship, beavers and mountain beavers are actually quite different. Here's a breakdown of their key differences:

Beavers:

* Rodent Family: Castoridae

* Size: Large, typically weighing 30-70 lbs

* Habitat: Near water, build dams and lodges

* Diet: Primarily trees and shrubs

* Key Features: Webbed hind feet, flat, paddle-like tail, prominent incisor teeth

* Behavior: Highly social, live in family groups, known for building dams and lodges

* Distribution: North America (Canada, USA) and Eurasia

Mountain Beavers:

* Rodent Family: Aplodontiidae (only family in the order Aplodontia)

* Size: Small, weighing 1-2 lbs

* Habitat: High-elevation forests, primarily in the Pacific Northwest of North America

* Diet: Primarily grasses and other vegetation

* Key Features: Short, thick body, small ears, no visible tail, short legs

* Behavior: Solitary, burrowing, less social than beavers

* Distribution: Western North America (Pacific Northwest region)

Here's a table summarizing the differences:

| Feature | Beaver | Mountain Beaver |

|---|---|---|

| Family | Castoridae | Aplodontiidae |

| Size | Large (30-70 lbs) | Small (1-2 lbs) |

| Habitat | Near water, build dams and lodges | High-elevation forests |

| Diet | Primarily trees and shrubs | Primarily grasses and other vegetation |

| Tail | Flat, paddle-like | No visible tail |

| Behavior | Social, build dams and lodges | Solitary, burrowing |

| Distribution | North America and Eurasia | Pacific Northwest of North America |

In essence, beavers are much larger, live near water, and are known for their dam-building abilities. Mountain beavers are smaller, live in forests, and are solitary animals with no tail.