The Beaver (Castor canadensis)

I know, I promised yesterday to post photos of a deer today but this is Canada and sometimes when you are looking forward to deer you get beaver. The Beaver (Castor canadensis) is a large rodent that is the national animal of Canada. It achieved this symbolic status because its prized fur was a major reason for early European exploration and exploitation of this country. I believe it is the only rodent to have achieved national animal status but although it is of the same family as rats, it is quite a different sort of animal. Wherever it lives it transforms the landscape by damming streams to create the ponds it prefers to inhabit. It builds its dams from trees it fells in the forest. The large plastic version of this industrious vegetarian (mostly eats bark from trees) pictured above is on display at Fort Rodd Hill, which is the scene of a celebration of the Canadian Navy's 100th anniversary. There are lots of interesting things to see in addition to Fort Rodd and the Fisgard Lighthouse (simultaneously celebrating its 150th anniversary) and lots of events today (Saturday) so, if you're in the neighbourhood, drop in and celebrate with the Canadian Navy and Parks Canada.