Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Beavers










I am not sure what it is about beavers, but every time I came across their handy work I am amazed. On Sunday, after enjoying brunch at my parents place, we went for a walk in the woods, the same woods I used to play in as a child. My dad was eager to show Reece the work of the beavers. It was fascinating to see these trees, to look at the beaver tracks, and to see dams that have been removed by the city, only to be built up again.

I can only imagine the strength of their teeth, the determination required to gnaw away on the trees until they fall, and then the work required to build the dam. They are very persistent creatures, and pretty darn resilient. We enjoyed our time exploring this area where they are trying to build a new dam, and hoped one might just pop up to say hello, but, no luck...maybe next time.

Joining Chrisy

24 comments:

  1. I've never seen beaver work in the wild but then I do not live near bodies of water. It is amazing what they can do and how big their dams are when they build them up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is totally amazing! We come across their handy work often, as a lot of the trails we walk are near water. Always interesting to see.

      Delete
  2. you're right... their handy work is truly amazing !! Have a great day, Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  3. We have this in Montucky too... the strength and determination is pretty awesome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really, I wouldn't have guessed, but you do have lots of water and trees so it makes sense ;)

      Delete
  4. Amazing little creatures for sure! There is something...almost an art form...about the way they cut down the trees.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It exactly like an art form. We couldn't believe the trees that were still standing, just balanced there on the point. We are hoping to go back again soon to see if they have come down after a bit more work :)

      Delete
  5. I hope you see a beaver next time, I think that would be amazing, but I'm not sure I would want one on my land destroying my trees. We don't have beavers here, but I have seen them in the upper part of the state.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would love to see one Tracey, but it would take a little time sitting in the dark, I think :) They are nocturnal.

      Delete
  6. Beavers are so amazing. And so elusive! As much as I see beaver evidence, I rarely see one in action.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have never seen one in action, but they are usually resting when we are out :)

      Delete
  7. They are amazing, what incredible teeth they must have, and strength generally. I know lots of people don't much like beavers for the damage they do, but I've always had such a soft spot for them, I think it's all down to 'The lion, the witch and the wardrobe'!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They certainly are! They do do a lot of damage, but I would have to argue that humans do too :) And for the most part we are infringing on their territory. When I was growing up the area where the beavers are right now was all forest, there was nothing there. But now, homes as far as the eye can see, with the exception of this little haven of forest along the creek that hasn't been developed.

      I will have to look that book up, I have heard of it, but can't remember reading it. Thanks for letting me know about it.

      Delete
  8. Oh my goodness, the amount of chewing they did to the trees is amazing! I wonder how long that took them! Thank you so much for sharing these pictures! It was truly amazing to see (and I bet even more amazing in person)! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is pretty crazy. So much work. Always happy to share our little adventures into nature :) Glad you enjoyed it Shel. xo

      Delete
  9. What a great opportunity to have them so close n full action, even if yu guys didn't get to see the critters themselves. What a great learning adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's really cool how good of an architect a beaver can be. However they are terrible destructive. They completely change environments by building dams. What a funny adaptation really. How did this mammal evolve to put dams on rivers? How was that helpful in the beginning? I've seen a lot of beavers here in the west. Some of the best dams I've seen are in Yellowstone National park.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, amazing! They are destructive, there is no doubt about it, but I think we humans, as a species, are more destructive. Have you read up on why the build dams, it is pretty interesting. They use the deep water around the dams not only as their home, but as a safe place from predators. They can also float their food and building supplies on the water. It is all pretty cool.

      There are also some who think beavers are important to our environment because of the role they play in building dams and creating wetlands, that become homes for many other species.

      I think like a lot of animals, we are encroaching on their territory as development grows, and we need to be cautious about that, as with many things when we consider our environment.

      Delete
  11. Oh my, how wonderful! I've watched documentaries on beavers on tv, but of course living in Australia have never even come close to seeing on in real life. We don't even have them in zoos or anything.
    You're right, what determination but also what amazing strength. I think beavers must be a lot bigger than what l think they are? especially given the size of those footprints too.
    Couldn't agree more with your comments about humans being more destructive, most of the human/wildlife conflict issues are a result of us encroaching on their habitat.
    Kim, thanks for linking up with Reconnect with Nature again. I loved seeing your post pop up! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They aren't that big, although they are the largest animal in rodent family. The bigger track you are seeing is the hind print, which is much bigger than the front print.

      Yes, totally. We have a few wildlife issues in the big cities here...coyotes, foxes, deer, and sometimes bear, but it always comes down to us destroying their habitats.

      No problem. I saw your post yesterday morning and thought "hey my post today is a perfect link up", so I linked up :) Thanks for hosting. xo

      Delete
  12. Great photos of your adventures getting up close with nature. Beavers are such industrious little creatures chipping away on big projects that make a difference in the local ecology. Thanks for sharing.
    my blog moved to www.pearlmaple.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, it was a pretty amazing adventure, and one that has been talked about a lot this week.

      Delete