North American Beaver - Oregon


The state flag of Oregon features the official seal on the obverse side, the front, and a beaver on the reverse side. It is the only two-sided flag of an American state. Massachusetts also had a two-sided design, but changed to single-sided in 1971. In regards to national designs, only Paraguay features a two-sided flag.

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Castor canadensis - The North American beaver is one of two extant species in the Castor genus, the other is the European beaver. The North American variety is slightly smaller, with a shorter muzzle, longer fur, and a more oval-shaped tail. A beaver's tail has many uses: it serves as a rudder when swimming, can prop up the animal when it is standing upright, and it can be used as a signaling device. When the beaver sees any potential threat, it will slap its tail against the water to warn other beavers of the approaching danger.