How to Draw a Beaver (Easy Step by Step)
A beaver is a friendly animal to draw because it is made from simple, chunky shapes. You will use ovals for the head and tail, small half circles for the ears and feet, and a tall egg shape for the body. The log in front of its tummy makes it look like it is hard at work.
- Easy
- 15 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a beaver step by step
How to Draw a Beaver · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: The head
Start with a big wide oval near the top of your page for the head. Make it a little wider than it is tall.
Step 3: Two round ears
Add a small half circle on the top left of the head and another on the top right. They sit on the head like little round buttons.
Step 4: Body and feet
Under the head, draw a curved line down each side to make a tall egg-shaped body that is wider at the bottom, starting just below the chin. Join the sides with a flat line across the bottom, then add two small half circles poking out below for the feet.
Step 5: Face and teeth
Draw two small dots for eyes and a little oval nose in the middle of the face. Under the nose, draw a short line down on each side to make a narrow box for the front teeth, then curl a short curved cheek line out to each side.
Step 6: The log
Across the tummy, draw a long rounded rectangle for the log. Then add a small circle near each end and a short curved line beside it to make the rings of the wood.
Step 7: The flat tail
Next to the body on the right, draw a big rounded oval for the tail, like a paddle. Start where it touches the lower part of the body and curve around to close the shape.
Step 8: Tail pattern
Fill the tail with a few lines going one way and a few going the other way so they cross like a net. Try to stop each line at the edge of the tail.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your beaver? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a fox or how to draw a hedgehog next.
Tips for drawing a beaver
- Draw the head oval first and keep it light, so the ears and the body have an easy place to tuck in.
- The log is the trickiest part. Draw the long rounded rectangle first, then add the small circles and curves near the ends so they look like rings of wood.
- For the tail net, draw the crossing lines slowly and let them stop at the edge. Lines that poke out look like sticks, so lift your pencil early.
Free beaver coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this beaver coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your beaver drawing
Color the fur warm brown, the teeth bright white or light orange, and the log a lighter tan with darker brown rings. For a creative twist, color the tail in rainbow stripes or add a little pond with a dam behind your beaver.
Beaver fun fact for kids
Beavers have orange front teeth that never stop growing, and chewing on wood keeps them from getting too long. A beaver also slaps its flat tail on the water to warn other beavers of danger.
Questions about drawing a beaver
What shapes do I need to draw a beaver?
You need an oval for the head, a tall egg shape for the body, two small half circles for the ears, two for the feet, and a rounded oval for the tail. The log is a long rounded rectangle with a few small circles.
How do I make my beaver look cuter?
Make the head extra wide and put the eyes far apart. Two front teeth under the nose add a lot of charm.
How do I draw the beaver's tail?
Draw a rounded oval like a paddle beside the body. Then add a few lines one way and a few the other way so they cross like a net, which looks like the scaly skin of a real tail.
