Why Is The Beaver The National Animal Of Canada

What is Canada's national animal?

What is Canada’s national animal?It’s this industrious little rodent. The Beaver.

Why is the Beaver Canada's national animal?

The beaver was not really chosen specificially, but it was used in coats-of-arms and other official symbology so often that people got used to it.The first North American coat of arms to depict a beaver was created by  Sir William Alexander, who was granted title in 1621 to the area now  known as Nova Scotia .1632: Arms of Sir William Alexander, Earl of Stirling, in 1632, featuring a snarling beaver, rampant, at the top!The   trade in beaver pelts proved so lucrative that the Hudson's Bay  Company  honoured the buck-toothed little animal by putting it on the  shield of  its coat of arms in 1678.  The Hudson's Bay Company shield consists of  two moose and four beavers  separated by a red St. George's Cross, and  reflects the importance of  this industrious rodent to the company. The Quebec City coat of arms, 1833A  coin was created by the HBC from melted tea chests (1678) to equal the value of one beaver pelt.  (Note that the original pair of moose have been supplanted by more European-looking deer.)The  beaver was included in the armorial bearings of the City of Montréal  when it was incorporated as a city in 1833. Sir Sandford Fleming assured  the beaver a position as a true National Symbol when he featured it on  the first Canadian postage stamp - the "Three Penny Beaver" of 1851.Source:  Totally poached from The Beaver as Canada's National Symbol and some beaver facts.  Plus I found better images.Larger images are from Chapter 2 The Beaver and Maple LeafCoin: Page on gutenberg.org

Why is the beaver a national symbol to Canada?

Beavers, found in Canada, were an important part of the early colonisation by Europeans (the French in particular). I guess it is one of those things that Canadians associated with themselves as they carved out a unique cultural identity as they became independent. The Canadian flag has a maple leaf on if for much the same reason. As part of the industry of early Canada, it became a symbol for pride in the nation. Also apparently some of the other flag ideas were a little bit outrageous.A better question would be why is the bald eagle a symbol of the US. Or better yet why is the symbol of some countries (looking at my motherland here) a mythical beast?

Why isn't the moose Canada's national animal?

Scientific name: Castor canadensisSize: The largest rodent in North America - it can reach over one metre in length.Average weight: Can weigh up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds).The beaver is Canada’s national symbol, representing our country for over 300 years, and is arguably the hardest working animal. The axiom ‘busy as a beaver’ is well justified: skilled loggers and engineers, they each cut down up to 200 trees per year and build elaborate ‘lodges, ’ dams and canals.Way back in the late 1600’s, quite possibly due to the climate of much of lower Canada (the northern part), beaver pelts were the most popular fashion item for trade. After the early European explorers realized Canada was not the spice-rich Orient, the main profit-making attraction was the beaver population.King Henry IV of France saw the fur trade as an opportunity to acquire much-needed revenue and to establish a North American empire. Both English and French fur traders were soon selling beaver pelts in Europe at 20 times their original purchase price.The trade of beaver pelts proved so profitable that many Canadians felt compelled to pay tribute to the buck-toothed animal. As a result of this as the cornerstone of our early economy, many trades were actually anchored with beaver pelts as the currency.As a result, homage was paid and the beaver was officially made Canada’s national animal as of March 24th, 1975, as part of the National Symbol of Canada Act.Here’s a bit more of a complete history of the Beaver in Canada, highlighting why it’s such an important animal to our country’s history.More specifically to your question, the moose is not only as prevalent, but also not really an animal that is as specific to Canada (and its history) as the beaver is.

Why is the beaver related to Canada?

Well from an ecological perspective, the beaver plays an important role helping to develop and maintain wetlands and riparian areas through its damming of water bodies. The beaver’s activities help maintain habitat for a wealth of wildlife.Now from a historical perspective the beaver was the basis of the fur trade which drove European exploration (mainly France and England) and subsequent expansion and European settlement of Canada.Unfortunately, the fur trade drove the beaver to near extinction, certainly extirpation, in extensive parts of the country. However, thanks in part to a change in fashion demands and conservation efforts, the beaver population has recovered such that beavers are a common woodland site across Canada today. I certainly enjoy seeing them when I go canoeing.

What is the national bird and animal of Canada?

The Gray Jay, Canada Jay, or Whisky Jack (Perisoreus canadensis) - is the Official “National bird of Canada” respectively.The North American Beaver or Canadian Beaver (Castor canadensis) - is the Official “National animal of Canada” respectively.