The life of a big-river beaver, such as those in our area, differs from that of its cousin, who creates a pond along an inland stream. The pond beaver selects an appropriate site, then constructs a dam that defines a habitat of convenience and comfort.

In contrast, the river beaverís lot is comparatively easy. There is no need of a dam, nor could beavers create one if they wanted toóthe width and depth of the channels make this impossible. There may be no need of a lodge, if there is a muddy bank that can easily be excavated. The depletion of food resources in one area does not force a traumatic move and construction of a whole new environmentóit means a ten-minute swim to a new grove of trees.

At the same time, the river brings intense competition for favorable territories, and frequent ëbumpingí of individuals and clans from better to lesser domains.

The biggest problem, however, is that the river beaver is not in control of the water level. This can be a fatal shortcoming. Consider the effect of a drastic drop in the water level in late fall. If the lodge or burrow has been built in the classic manner, with an underwater entrance, that entrance is suddenly high and dry. The inhabitants either freeze to death, or starve when access to their stored food (and the relative warmth of unfrozen water) is iced shut.

We enjoy seeing the beavers as they swim around the island, though they are shy. Sometimes we resent the destruction of trees, especially when they block a pathway or damage a boat. While we understand the hostility with which some of our neighbors view these creatures, we do not share it. Few animals are so well suited to life in this country, and few symbols better represent the northern wilderness.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605