Now, I know what you've all been wondering: with countries of the UK being represented by the Lion, the Unicorn and the Dragon respectively, how on earth did Canada get lumped with a seemingly inconsequential, herbivore, the Beaver? Well the answer my dear reader is fashionable head ware!
During the 16 & 1700's beaver pelts were used to make fashionable fur hats. This need led to the establishment of major trade routes and trading posts for the specific aim of amassing and transporting beaver pelts from Canada to Europe. Images of the beaver have since been used on the Hudson's Bay Company's coat of arms (1678), medals, currency, and postage stamps, as demonstrated above. The beaver was considered a symbol of Canada for over 300 years, before it received official recognition in 1975.
Therefore next time you see a beaver consider how a small plant eating, buck tooth, animal and fashion could pair up to help along the foundation of an amazing country!