Beavers vs Hedgehogs | 3 Key Differences
Hedgehogs and beavers are both very adorable and cute animals. They are also very important for our environment. Although these two species seem to have similar body features and some characteristics, they are not the same kind.
Hedgehogs are of the Erinaceidae family. They are not rodents like beavers, mice, etc.
Hedgehogs and beavers have different facial features, different habitats, and different diets. They also have different skill sets, habits, and lifestyles.
We can find out more about them by comparing these two species and doing beavers vs hedgehogs fact check!
Let’s find out some interesting facts about these two and learn to differentiate.
Beavers vs Hedgehogs
Beavers and hedgehogs may have some similarities, but they are very different from each other. Be it how they look, where they originate from, their natural habitats, and their characteristics, beavers and hedgehogs have many incongruities.
Hedgehogs have cone-shaped faces and would fit the size of a palm. Their body is covered with quills, which they use to protect themselves against any harm. They have tiny feet, and they make snorting noises, hence the name hedgehogs.
On the other side, beavers are rodents and have webbed feet and long teeth. They usually stay in the water for a long time and try to warn against threats by flapping their flat tails.
Beavers build dams on water using mud, stones, and sticks. This video may help you to understand better How Do Beavers Build a Dam | SLICE:
Let’s learn some detailed facts about the gap between these two species.
The Key Differences Between Hedgehogs And Beavers
Appearance
Hedgehogs have stubby quills on them. They have small feet and cone-shaped faces. They are around 13 inches (33.02 centimeters). Furthermore, they also have 44 human-like mammal teeth.
On the other hand, beavers have yellow teeth that never stop growing. They have webbed feet and flat rubbery tail that helps them swim better.
They are also the second-largest rodent in the world. Learn more about the largest rodents, Giant Water Hamster(Capybara) | Lifestyle and Living
Habitat
Beavers build their dams on water bodies as they love spending time in the water. People would always find them around rivers or ponds or damp areas. They are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Hedgehogs are also prone to damp areas, but they don’t stay in the water as long as beavers. They are nocturnal animals, something that’s common with beavers. During the daytime, and when it is too hot, hedgehogs stay asleep to conserve energy.
Hedgehogs are also found in Europe, Asia, and New Zealand. , but not in North America. Although, people are importing them to North America to have as pets.
Diet
Hedgehogs usually eat vegetables, worms, insects, centipedes, eggs, snakes, frogs, fungi, snails, roots, etc. on the other hand, beavers are herbivores. So their diet includes tree bark, woods, grass, etc.
Marmot vs Beaver
It is not easy at all to tell them apart at first glance. But there are some subtle, visible differences between marmots and beavers. Also, they both have some distinct traits and habits.
There’s an old tradition in North America, which is the only place marmots are found, that waits for the groundhog to come out of the ground to point towards the arrival of spring.
Groundhogs or woodchucks are a part of the marmot family.
Speaking of these news bringers of spring, you might want to know When Do Groundhogs Come Out Of The Hibernation?
While beavers spend most of their time in water and build dams on water, marmots dig long underground burrows. They usually like grasslands and can survive in dryer areas.
Unlike beavers, marmots have sharp claws that help them make holes. Although these woodchucks don’t chuck woods, they chuck on dirt and other stuff. Unfortunately, these cute marmots live only up to 3 to 6 years, while beavers can live up to 25 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do beavers have venom?
No, beavers do not have venom. But they are prone to biting when disturbed or tensed. They also may carry diseases.
2. Are beavers herbivores or omnivores?
Beavers are herbivores. They like grass, wood, bark, birch, etc. they also eat water plants and weeds.
3. Groundhog vs beaver, what are the differences?
The key difference would be that groundhogs have sharp claws and the usual rodent bushy tails, while beavers have webbed feet and flat tails. Apart from this, there are other differences.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs and beavers are both very lovable and people are keeping them as pets nowadays. Although hedgehogs have some similarities with beavers and other rodents, they are not of the Rodentia family.
With beavers vs hedgehogs analysis, we can easily point out the differences between these two animals and identify them. This will also help us to understand what these animals are like and if the opportunity comes, or if it becomes necessary, we will be able to handle them properly.
