Differences from North American beaver Eurasian beaver

skulls of european , north american beaver

although eurasian beaver appears superficially similar north american beaver, there several important differences: eurasian beaver has larger, less rounded head; longer, narrower muzzle; narrower, less oval-shaped tail; , shorter shin bones, making less capable of bipedal locomotion north american species. eurasian beaver has longer nasal bones, widest point being @ end of snout; in case of north american beaver, widest point @ middle of snout. eurasian beaver has triangular nasal opening, unlike of north american beavers, square. furthermore, foramen magnum rounded in eurasian beaver, triangular in north american beaver. anal glands of eurasian beaver larger, , thin-walled, large internal volume, relative of north american beaver. guard hairs of eurasian beaver have longer hollow medullae @ tips. also, difference in fur colour exists: overall, 66% of eurasian beavers have beige or pale brown fur, 20% have reddish brown, 8% brown, , 4% have blackish coats; in north american beavers, 50% have pale brown fur, 25% reddish brown, 20% brown, , 6% blackish.

the 2 species not genetically compatible. north american beaver has 40 chromosomes, while eurasian beaver has 48. after more 27 attempts in russia hybridize 2 species, result 1 stillborn kit bred pairing of male north american beaver , female eurasian beaver. aforementioned factor makes interspecific breeding unlikely in areas 2 species ranges overlap.