What does an American beaver eat?

The American beaver (Castor canadensis) is a large, semi-aquatic rodent that is found in North America. Beavers are known for their dam-building activities and their role in creating and maintaining wetlands. Beavers are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of the bark and leaves of trees and shrubs. They also eat aquatic plants, such as cattails and water lilies. Beavers have large, chisel-like teeth that they use to cut down trees and strip the bark. They typically prefer trees that are soft and easy to cut, such as willows, poplars, and cottonwoods. Beavers also eat the cambium layer of trees, which is the layer of tissue that lies between the bark and the wood. The cambium layer is rich in nutrients and is a valuable food source for beavers. Beavers typically live in colonies and they often build their dams near areas where there are plenty of trees and aquatic plants. They use their dams to create ponds that provide them with a safe and protected environment in which to live and raise their young. Beavers are important ecosystem engineers and their activities have a significant impact on the environment. Their dams create wetlands that provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals, and they also help to improve water quality and reduce flooding.