Beavers use mud in their dam building process, but they don't hold it directly against their chest. Here's how they use it:
* Carrying mud: Beavers use their strong front teeth to gather mud and carry it in their mouths to the dam construction site.
* Building with mud: They then use the mud in several ways:
* Strengthening the dam: They pack mud into the gaps and spaces within the dam structure, making it more stable and watertight.
* Creating a "waterproof" barrier: They use mud to cover the dam's exterior, further preventing water from leaking through.
* Stabilizing the base: They may use mud to build a foundation for the dam, particularly on unstable ground.
So, while beavers do use mud extensively in dam building, they don't hold it against their chests. They carry and apply it using their teeth and their strong front paws.