After all the threads dealing with the re-introduction of Eurasian beavers into the UK, I am excited to be able to announce that I have finally spotted a beaver at Big Soos Creek, less than one and a half miles away from my home.
Unfortunately, this American beaver kit met an untimely and mysterious demise, but nevertheless, I recorded this as visual proof that beavers do in fact not only live, but are breeding locally. Now all I have to do is see one alive! My cap is in there as a size reference. As you can see, it is quite young, possibly 6 weeks or so.
Kingfisher
Thats great, congratulations on getting evidence of beavers there! Its a shame that one didn't make it, but at least you have proof that they are around and breeding.
Good luck with seeing a live one!
Good news that they are breeding, its unfortunate that the poor kit didn't survive but lets hope he has lots of brothers and sisters who did!
I just hope it does not take me another eighteen years to see one--alive! I will have to check into how many kits are normally in a litter. I don't think it's more than two or three at a time, though.
I have been walking/bicycling on this path since 1989 if I am remembering correctly. I've seen river otters, (non-native) muskrats, mink, long-tailed weasels, etc., but this is the first beaver I've spotted.
Kingfisher
I think there are usually about four kits to a litter so there should be a few more around if they managed to make it. That's really interesting that you've been walking that path for so long and this is the first time you've seen one, I didn't realise they were so hardd to spot.
The area where they are apparently living is quite marshy, and hidden from view. It seems, also, that beavers are quite nocturnal. I kept thinking that if there were beavers, I should have seen a lodge. I still haven't seen a lodge, but there certainly was at least one beaver.
I shall have to keep my eyes open to see if I can spot a live one
.
Kingfisher
Really? - They're introducing beavers into the UK?!? WOW!
What a shame that kit died - so sad. If you've seen one then hopefully there will be more around somewhere.
Be sure to let us know if you spot another
Caz--you do know I am in the US? So the beavers I have seen are local to me, in the state of Washington.
However, we do have a couple of threads on the re-introduction of European beavers into England. We don't seem to be able to find any up to date information on the progress of the re-introduction, however.
Kingfisher
^ Oh yes, I know you're over the pond lol!
Are you from England originally then? (sorry, going off topic a bit here!)
^ Oh yes, I know you're over the pond lol!
Are you from England originally then? (sorry, going off topic a bit here!)
I don't think you can go OT in an OT forum .
At any rate, yes, I was bred and born in Swinton, Lancashire. All my relatives except immediate family are still in England, so I return every chance I get.
Kingfisher
Crikey! I really must pay more attention - didn't even twig we were on the OT board then haha!
Ooo! Thanks for that
I'm now up to speed with the beavers in the UK. I'm sure the family will do very well with the WWT taking care of them
Talking of Beavers I know they are not American but reading the local paper I came across this:-
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/boltoninf..._years.php
Oh, that's lovely! I wish they had been at Martin Mere when I last visited. Perhaps the next time I come.
I should update the other thread, too.
Kingfisher