ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Environmental impacts of beavers

Beavers are animals that are really good at building dams, which are like big walls made of wood and stones, across rivers and streams. These dams can have both good and bad impacts on the environment around them.

One of the good impacts of beaver dams is that they create wetlands. Wetlands are like big puddles that are full of water and help to filter out dirty water and also provide a habitat for lots of different animals, like ducks and frogs. wetlands also help to store water during times of drought, which can be really helpful for other animals and plants that need water to survive.

However, beaver dams can also have some bad impacts on the environment. For example, they can flood nearby areas and damage crops or property. This can be especially problematic for humans who live near beaver habitats. Additionally, beaver dams can also cause changes to the flow of rivers and streams, which can affect the habitat of other animals and plants that live in those waterways.

Overall, beavers can have a big impact on the environment around them, both positive and negative. It is important to balance the benefits of beaver dams with the potential risks and impacts they can have on other animals, plants, and humans living nearby.
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