2. Their ancestors were frighteningly huge
Imagine a beaver that was 8 feet long and 200 pounds. This monster, known as “Castoroides” lived a semi-aquatic life during the Ice Age. Although it looked similar to its modern equivalent, it lacked the iconic flat tail.

3. They have orange teeth
Floss much? While discoloured human teeth often indicates unhealthy chompers, a beaver’s front teeth have iron-laced enamel, which helps them cut through giant tree trunks without breaking.

4. Water is their friend
The beaver has an impressive set of bodily functions to make life in the water easier. From closeable nose and ear valves to transparent membranes that cover their eyes like goggles, evolution has gifted them a few tricks. The can even close their lips behind their teeth so water doesn’t flow in while carrying logs, while it’s paddle-shaped tail serves as boat rudder.

5. It was on Canada’s first postage stamp
In 1851 the Three-Pence Beaver was designed by Sir Sandford Fleming. The stamp’s design was one of the first in the world to feature a pictorial, as opposed to a portrait of a monarch, a statesman, a geometric design or a coat-of-arms.