Which animal is known as North America's largest rodent?

The American Beaver holds the title of North America's largest rodent due to its size and weight, which can reach up to 60 pounds or more. Beavers are well-known for their distinctive flat tails, webbed feet, and the ability to construct complex dams and lodges in aquatic environments. Their adaptations for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, including strong teeth for gnawing wood and a thick fur coat for insulation, further distinguish them from other rodent species.

Other candidates like the groundhog, capybara, and muskrat do not match the beaver in terms of size. The groundhog, while larger than a typical rat, is considerably smaller than the American Beaver. The capybara is the world's largest rodent, but it is native to South America and not found in North America. The muskrat, although similar in habitat and behavior to the beaver, is significantly smaller, typically weighing only about 2 to 4 pounds. Thus, the American Beaver is identified as the largest rodent in North America based on its size, ecological role, and distinctive characteristics.