While most New Yorkers may have only seen a beaver (Castor canadensis) in the wild once or twice, signs of their work are everywhere.
Beavers leave their mark on a landscape in a variety of ways as engineers, and on New York’s cultural history. Here are some fascinating facts:
Nature’s Engineers — Beavers are renowned for building dams and lodges (homes), which create wetlands and ponds that support fish, wildlife, and plants. The largest known beaver dam is just under 3,000 ft long (about a half-mile).
Climate Resilience Partners — By creating wetland habitats, beavers help buffer against drought and flooding, making them important components in climate resilience.
Ecosystem Boosters — Beaver ponds improve water quality by trapping sediment, reducing erosion, and helping nourish groundwater. These dammed waterbodies are not only good for beavers, but also benefit the ecosystem as a whole by creating habitat for other critters and filtering pollutants and debris in the water as it flows through.
New York’s Official Mammal — In 1975 the beaver was recognized as the official mammal of New York State, its historical and ecological significance and it’s ingenuity and resiliency.
Teeth That Never Quit — A beaver’s orange-colored teeth never stop growing and are kept sharp for gnawing on wood.
Built for Water — Beavers thrive in areas with ponded waterbodies, where they are able to use the deeper water to hide from predators. Beavers have webbed hind feet, a flat tail for steering, and can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes underwater.
Historic Comeback — By the 1840s, beavers in America were nearly wiped out in New York by unregulated trapping by those looking to cash-in on the high demand for pelts in the economically important fur trade. They have made a strong comeback thanks to environmentalist efforts. There are now an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 beavers living in the Adirondacks alone.
Read more about beavers in New York State.
Source link
