The near-beaver was a Sphinxian mammal approximatly 51cm (20 inches) long. Although named near-beaver by the colonists, it was closer to a six-legged otter in basic body form. Unlike terrestrial otters, however, the near-beaver was an industrious dam-builder. Various species of near-beaver were found in virtually every Sphinxian climate zone except the high artic. (SK1) Treecats called this animal "Lake Builders". (HHA1.1: ABF)