文章基本信息

标题：Pond Builders
作者：Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner
期刊名称：Click
印刷版ISSN：1094-4273
出版年度：2004
卷号：May/Jun 2004
出版社：ePals Publishing Company

Pond Builders

Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner

In the warm lazy summer, a pair of young beavers wanders up and down a forest stream. They are looking for the perfect place to make their home. Twigs, bark, and leaves are the beavers' favorite foods. So, they choose a stretch of creek with lots of trees growing nearby. There will be plenty to eat, close to home.

But the trees are important for another reason, too. In the fall, the beavers cut down trees and use them to build a sturdy dam across the creek. Where once there was a narrow, flowing stream, soon there will be a deep, wide pond!

Beavers are slow and clumsy on land, but they are great swimmers. The sooner they make their pond, the better. Then they will be able to swim away from enemies-such as bears, wolves, and mountain lions-that can easily chase them down on land.

With its four chisel-like front teeth, a beaver can cut down a small tree in minutes. Once a tree is down, the beavers gnaw off branches and haul them to the stream. They lay mud and rocks on them to hold them in place. Water begins to collect behind their wall of branches. The pond has begun to form! But it is not deep enough yet.

The beavers check their new dam. Wherever they hear the sound of water running through, they rush to plug up the spaces with grass, roots, and mud.

Little by little, the beavers add more branches and more mud. As the dam gets bigger and more solid, the pond grows wider and deeper. At last it's time for the beavers to build their home, or lodge.

They make a big pile of rocks, mud, and branches in the middle of the pond. How will they live in this solid heap? They tunnel in from underwater and gnaw out a hollow chamber.

The chamber has a lower level for eating and a nice, dry upper level for sleeping. Here in their lodge, the beavers stay warm and cozy through the winter.

In the spring, their babies are born. The beaver kits love to swim and play with their parents. Bears and wolves may spot the youngsters from shore. But the wide water of their pond and the sturdy walls of their lodge help keep the beavers safe and sound.