Why do beavers eat wood?

Beavers don't actually eat wood. They eat the inner bark of trees, called cambium. This layer is rich in nutrients and sugars, providing the beavers with the energy they need.

Here's why they eat the cambium:

* Nutrients and Energy: Cambium is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients that beavers need for survival.

* Fiber: The bark also provides fiber, which helps with digestion.

* Accessibility: It's easier for beavers to access the cambium layer than the harder outer wood.

While they do chew on wood to get to the cambium, they don't digest the wood itself. They have special bacteria in their digestive system that help them break down the cambium and extract the nutrients.