Q: Why do beavers have orange teeth?

A: Beavers have bright orange front teeth because they are covered in an iron-rich layer of enamel. Beavers need very powerful teeth to be able to chew down trees and that orange color is proof of that strength. Beaver teeth constantly grow but they naturally wear them down by grinding them together. This grinding also sharpens the teeth so that they work as a natural sharp chisel. The beavers’ teeth in Hoppers have a dull white color. The artists tried to make them orange but that did not look very cute on screen.

Q: What do beavers sound like?

A: In the movie, the beavers make a very cute little low squeaky sound. This is close to real beaver vocal sounds. Beavers make a variety of vocalizations depending on the age, social grouping and territory defense. You will commonly hear our beavers at the rescue making sounds, especially Queen Tulip! Tulip’s loud vocals are often used to tell everyone that the food is all hers!

Q: How big are beavers?

A: Beavers are the world’s second largest rodent and can weigh up to 110 pounds (50kg)! The average size of an adult beaver is between 50-75 pounds (22-34kg). The beavers in Hoppers are presented as about the size of a cat. The animators did this because making them larger also made them look a bit scary for a cartoon.

Q: Do beavers really make habitats for other animals?

A: YES! Beavers are a keystone species, which means they modify the environment in a way that creates healthy homes for plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Hoppers describes this very well! At Something Wild, all of our beavers have their own Tom Lizards that live in their enclosures with them, supported by the environment that the beavers have built.

Q: Can beavers climb?

A: Yes! Although beavers are much more agile in the water, they are able to navigate on land including climbing up short heights. They do this to reach tasty branches. They also frequently need to climb up their dams to make repairs.

Q: Do beavers use their tails to spread mud?

A: No. In fact, if you watch Hoppers, you will see the beavers using their front paws to push mud into the dam and lodge. This is exactly how real beavers use mud to make their homes stronger.

Q: What do beavers use their tails for?

A: Beaver tails are a multifunctional tool used for balance when walking on land and standing up, as a rudder when swimming, to slap the waters surface as a warning call of danger and my favorite, as a seat. When you watch Hoppers you’ll see King George adorably sitting on his tail.

Q: Do beavers eat fish?

A: NO! Beavers mostly eat leaves, grasses, vines, aquatic plants and cambium (the soft bark that grows on trees and branches). They do not eat actual wood. They also do not eat any insects or fish.

Q: How long can beavers hold their breath?

A: Beavers are similar to marine mammals in that they can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes! Holding their breath and staying underwater allows them plenty of time to escape from a predator.

Q: What is a baby beaver called?

A: A baby beaver is called a kit. Listen closely and you will hear King George mention the term kits in the movie!

Q: What do beavers use their tails for?

A: Beaver tails are a multifunctional tool used for balance when walking on land and standing up, as a rudder when swimming, to slap the waters surface as a warning call of danger and my favorite, as a seat. When you watch Hoppers you’ll see King George adorably sitting on his tail.

Q: How many beavers can live in a lodge?

A: Beavers are very social animals who live in extended family groups. These are typically made up of an adult male and female who mate for life and their kits, ranging in age from newborn to 3 or more years. If the territory has enough food, adult offspring are allowed to find a mate and live in the territory and have their own kits. All the beavers in the lodge help take care of the kits.

Q: How do beavers swim?

A: Beavers are incredible swimmers both on the surface and underwater. They rely on their powerful and large hind webbed feet to propel themselves through the water and the tail is used for steering. They do not use their front paws for swimming so they keep them tucked close to the body. Beavers have built in goggles that cover their eyes when underwater and they can seal their ears and mouth to prevent water from entering. In the movie Hoppers you will see King George teach Mabel how to swim like a beaver.

We are so excited that Pixar’s movie Hoppers is bringing awareness to beavers! Beavers are true conservation heroes and can help us make the world a healthier and better place for nature and even humans. We are all in this together (Pond Rule #3).