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 19 webbed feet DHJanzen100892.jpg high resolution
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| In addition to the flat paddle-like tail, beaver have webbed hind feet that they also use for paddling/swimming, much as does a duck. Bringing the foot forward, the toes close together and the foot poses almost no resistance to the water. On the backward thrust, the toes are spread and the webbing makes a collapsible paddle. Beaver hind legs have massive thigh muscles for driving these paddles. Beaver also sit up on their hind feet, with the paddle out behind as a brace against the ground, as they cut into large trees, move heavy amounts of mud and sticks in construction, and when delicately peeling the bark off of small twigs while holding them in one or both hands. | ||
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