Why giant human-sized beavers died out 10,000 years ago

[Judi Lynn]

May 29, 2019 5.03pm EDT

Giant beavers the size of black bears once roamed the lakes and wetlands of North America. Fortunately for cottage-goers, these mega-rodents died out at the end of the last ice age.

Now extinct, the giant beaver was once a highly successful species. Scientists have found its fossil remains at sites from Florida to Alaska and the Yukon.

A super-sized version of the modern beaver in appearance, the giant beaver tipped the scales at 100 kilograms. But it had two crucial differences.

The giant beaver lacked the iconic paddle-shaped tail we see on today’s modern beavers. Instead it had a long skinny tail like a muskrat.

More:
https://theconversation.com/why-giant-human-sized-beavers-died-out-10-000-years-ago-117234

[pansypoo53219]

1. why isn't it a giant muskrat?

[Lulu KC]

2. Exactly what I thought n/t

[cstanleytech]

3. Maybe because the muskrat is an entirely different species?

[pansypoo53219]

4. HYBRID! the animal split. and got smaller