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Beaver dam
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<p>A beaver dam or beaver impoundment is a <a href="/facts/Dam/9GuSN9HB">dam</a> built by <a href="/facts/Beaver/uoJ2xU4D">beavers</a>; it creates a <a href="/facts/Pond/He6abhfJ">pond</a> which protects against predators such as <a href="/facts/Coyotes/RXpwhVfb">coyotes</a>,<a href="/facts/Alligators/8eVwtou3">alligators</a>,<a href="/facts/Cougars/bIzW7fPk">cougars</a>, <a href="/facts/Foxes/0oeJleEN">foxes</a>, <a href="/facts/Eagles/I43HPS7R">eagles</a>, <a href="/facts/Wolves/ed7IVbIf">wolves</a> and <a href="/facts/Bears/Y973Q4FP">bears</a>, and holds their food during winter. These structures modify the natural environment in such a way that the overall ecosystem builds upon the change, making beavers a <a href="/facts/Keystone_species/JE5sSY3X">keystone species</a> and <a href="/facts/Ecosystem_engineer/RFBYKdrq">ecosystem engineers</a>. They build prolifically at night, carrying mud with their forepaws and timber between their teeth. </p>