Beaver

Beaver

Castor canadensis

Size: 3-4 ft ( total length )

Habitat: in and around water

Notes:
Famous for their dam-building habits, beavers were once a major ecological force in North America, reshaping a very large proportion of the land to suit themselves. Unfortunately for them, they also became a major economic force - much of the early exploration of the continent was done by fur trappers. Today, beavers are rare, and virtually non-existent in New Jersey, although there are a few colonies.

beaver
Beaver lodge
Beaver lodge

Yellow & Brown Algae

Pictured is a type commonly known as Rockweed ( Fucus vesiculosus, or Bladderwrack ) a tough northern type, adapted to the rocky shores of New England. However, it is more than happy to grow on jetties and pilings wherever it finds them and is quite common in the inlets around New Jersey. Like many other forms of algae, this one has gas bladders for flotation.