Adaptations in Action: The Amphibious Beaver
For many who have spent time near Canada's lakes and wetlands, the sight of the industrious beaver (Castor canadensis) offers a unique glimpse of Canada's national symbol in its natural habitat. Its flat, wide tail is unmistakable, as are the razor-sharp incisors that can fell up to 200 trees per year. On land, the animal's rounded body shape gives it an awkward, slower gait; yet under water, its unique traits transform it into a graceful swimmer capable of reaching speeds of up to 7 kilometres per hours.

They are nature's natural loggers and engineers  - beavers will alter their environment by building dams to raise water levels, or divert water flow with canals. In fact, they will devote most of their time to building and maintaining all of their structures, including their lodge. Thishabitat is typically a cone-shaped mound of sticks and mud that risesabove the water line, thus offering dry living areas inside for the family group. Two underwater entrances allow for a quick exit in case of a predator's intrusion.These also allow the beavers to emerge from their den and feast on their underwater food reserves during the winter, or to head for land in the spring and summer to feed on an herbaceous diet.

SWIMMING BEAVER - 2014 CANADIAN COINS is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 10- FLORA, FAUNA & NATURE and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.