Here's another shot of the beaver we noticed at the edge of a marshy field while out exploring with our granddaughters. After a moment of sitting on its tail, the beaver started to move and we could finally see a bit more of his/her body.
A beaver's tail is very distinctive. Here's a copy/paste of some info [from http://www.landscouncil.org/beaversolution/facts_on_beavers.asp] if you're interested in knowing more: "The beaver's tail has important uses both in the water and on land. In the water, the animal uses its flexible tail as a four-way rudder; on land the tail acts as a prop when sitting or standing and acts as a counter balance when carrying building material. When diving after being frightened, a beaver loudly slaps the water with its tail; the sound warns all beavers in the vicinity that danger is near. The tail stores fat, and because it is nearly hairless, releases body heat, helping the beaver to regulate its body temperature."
What a great capture. I love the little bits of ice on his back. Thank you for the information too. I didn't know that the tail regulated body temperature.
fav on this guy! Wow! YOu got close to him. And interesting info on their tails. We have beaver on the creek/Lake Lanier...they build a lodge every spring. They have been chewing off our little trees on the shore to take up there I guess.