ADVERTISEMENT

Today, April 7th is International Beaver Day. Although not endangered, this small animal plays an important role in maintaining local ecosystems. Sometimes referred to as nature's engineers, the benefits of having local beavers are many: their ponds "increase stream flows in seasonally dry streams by storing run-off in the rainy season," the cute beaver workers help waterfowl "by creating increased areas of water," and they even help to restore streams! In fact, 600 beavers put to work by the US government in the 1930s to stop soil erosion by streams in Oregon were so effective, that it was estimated each of the adorable animals completed work worth $300!

"beaver dams restore wetlands, those 'rainforests of the North,' rated as the land's best life support system," explains BWW. "Learning to coexist with beaver wetlands ensures that we continue to enjoy essential natural services, such as water cleansing. Nature's engineers can help combat climate change too. That's because beaver dams and wetlands hold water on the land, which decreases damage from both droughts and major floods--extreme weather events that are increasing with climate change. Plus, the lush plant life of marshy beaver wetlands absorbs much carbon dioxide, and draining these sites results in the release of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas".

To celebrate International Beaver Day, Bored Panda has collected the cutest pictures of baby beavers around. Which baby animal is the one for you? Vote, or submit your own beaver babies below!

More info: beaversww.org | Wikipedia

#1

This Is An Orphan Rescue Baby Beaver Who Had Lost Its Mommy

This Is An Orphan Rescue Baby Beaver Who Had Lost Its Mommy

William Rainey Report

#2

Baby Beaver

Baby Beaver

Partageons Report

#3

Cute Baby Beaver

Cute Baby Beaver

Report

#4

Three Beavers Chilling By The Water

Three Beavers Chilling By The Water

bconngemini2 Report

#6

Smiling Baby Beaver

Smiling Baby Beaver

blacksabbathrules Report

Add photo comments
POST
linda10989 avatar
Linda Roy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe it's just me, but they kinda look like guinea pigs!

#7

Baby Beaver Christian

Baby Beaver Christian

zapeda Report

Add photo comments
POST
celyndufay avatar
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

So This Happened Today

So This Happened Today

adorty03 Report

Add photo comments
POST
idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be smiling like that, too, if I got to hold an adorable baby beaver :)

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Baby Beaver Buddies

Baby Beaver Buddies

Little_Things Report

#14

Baby Beaver Looking Snuggle-Able

Baby Beaver Looking Snuggle-Able

Ihadacow Report

#15

My Uncle Rescued This Baby Beaver

My Uncle Rescued This Baby Beaver

kerriechamberlain Report

Add photo comments
POST
#19

One Of The Newborn Kits

One Of The Newborn Kits

bbc.co.uk Report

Add photo comments
POST
#20

Mother And Baby Beavers

Mother And Baby Beavers

Jeff Mollman Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#21

Baby Beaver

Baby Beaver

raepeters Report

#22

Baby Beaver Playing With A Plush Bunny

Baby Beaver Playing With A Plush Bunny

Big Bend Wildlife Sanctuary Report

#23

Cute Baby Beaver

Cute Baby Beaver

trishp213 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#24

Smiling Baby Beaver

Smiling Baby Beaver

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#26

Meet Timber

Meet Timber

Turtle Bay Exploration Park Report

#27

When You Thought The Aloha Safari Zoo Couldn't Get Any Cuter

When You Thought The Aloha Safari Zoo Couldn't Get Any Cuter

madmadhren Report

Add photo comments
POST
#29

Baby Beaver Eating Wood

Baby Beaver Eating Wood

spindalis845 Report

#30

Baby Beaver

Baby Beaver

soggycrackers Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#31

Meet Shiloh, The Newborn Baby Beaver At Zoomontana

Meet Shiloh, The Newborn Baby Beaver At Zoomontana

McLovin1019 Report