A plump beaver takes a break from combing its fur to admire itself in a watery mirror, an opening in the ice on the Rideau River. Did you know that beavers have a toe on their hind foot designed specifically for preening? They use their double toenail to prevent their fur from matting and to spread the castor oil that keeps their fur waterproof. At the temperature of the Rideau in early spring, they need the insulation! Photo Betsy Mann
