74 



YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES 





fboto by Ttppt, Courleiy Ctlif. Divition of Filb tni Gtmt. 



Golden beaver. 



The golden beaver attains a length 

 of nearly four feet and a weight of 

 around forty pounds. The overall color 

 is a golden brown, although this may 

 not be readily apparent when the animal 

 is seen at twilight, the fur wet from 

 swimming. 



A cautious observer may watch bea- 

 vers at work in early evening or morn- 



ing. The hours of greatest activity are 

 from dusk to dawn. The loud splash of 

 the flat tail, which may throw consider- 

 able water in the air when a beaver 

 sounds the alarm, is a thrilling experience 

 to see and hear. 



The tail is also used for a rudder when 

 swimming, or a prop when sitting up, 

 and may assist by pushing when the ani- 



Pbolo l>\ An J, riot 



Ik-aver dam on Rig Creek. Height of dam ranges from 5-7 feet. 



