Bear VS Beaver: Which Animal Should Represent Canada?

The beaver is Canada's national emblem. But should it be the polar bear?

Toronto-based market research firm Social Media Group has been tracking the online battle between the rodent and the mammal, a very divisive topic. The beaver ruins our other icon, the maple tree, while polar bears have on occasion eaten humans. A fierce debate on Twitter organized itself into #teambeaver and #teampolarbear.

SMG followed who liked what and why. Quoth the Financial Post:

Among those who preferred the beaver, 26% described it as a “noble animal,” while 18% called it “industrious.” Within the anti-beaver camp, 31% called it “destructive,” while 17% said the beaver was an “outdated symbol” and another 11% felt it was “anti-social.”

Nearly three-quarters of polar bear supporters felt it was a “majestic mammal,” while 4% described the bear as “alarmingly handsome.” Among the anti-bear set, 26% noted its tendency to kill humans, while 21% highlighted the fact that it was endangered. Another 11% noted that unlike the beaver, the polar bear does “not build anything.”

Parliament selected the beaver in 1975 as Canada's national symbol—but a referendum was never held. To this day, Canadians argue whether or not it was the best decision.

Are you #teampolarbear or #teambeaver?