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In The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare, what does a beaver slapping its tail on the water sound like to Matt?

In Chapter 11, Matt comes across a beaver dam on an outing with Attean. When Matt steps closer to take a look at what Attean calls a "beaver wigwam," he is shocked to hear the sound of a rifle going off.


However, all he can see is the water rippling on the pond surface and the black head of a beaver appearing for just an instant before it swims away. At Matt's confusion, Attean informs him that a beaver's tail smacking the water can sometimes make a "big noise."


So, to Matt, a beaver slapping its tail on the water sounds like a rifle going off. His first impression upon hearing the loud sound is that someone has come to hunt beavers. However, Attean assures him that the beavers are too young to be hunted. He also informs Matt that only his family has permission to hunt beavers in that area. 

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