The giant beaver

Near the end of the Ice Age, the giant beaver was the largest rodent in North America. They lived on earth about 12000 years ago. It was about 2.5m (8 feet) long and is estimated to have weighed 180 lbs. (80 to 100 kg). They were used to be the size of black bears.

The giant beaver looked similar to the modern beaver, but was considerably larger. Its hind feet were greatly enlarged. The teeth were about 15cm long and from the shape of teeth giant beavers probably ate plants. The habitats were ponds and rivers, similar to modern beavers and they might build the lodge too.

Despite likeness of body feature giant beavers do not closely related to modern beavers. The giant beaver is classified in the genus Castoroides, while the modern beaver belongs to Castor.

Unlike modern beavers, giant beavers did not have many threatening predators because of their size.