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Global Warming | Nature
Why We Need Beavers To Fight Global Warming
The resurgence of a near-extinct rodent and what it means for us.
You usually see signs before you get close: Chewed up trunks, huge piles of sticks, and rows of cleaved trees. Beavers were hunted to near extinction — but have made a comeback thanks to their reintroduction.
They are far from being a pesky rodent as many think. In fact, they could play a key role in our fight against climate change.
How a beaver works
Beavers have one of the most unique sources of motivation in all the animal kingdom: the sound of water. When a beaver hears running water, it sounds like nails on a chalkboard. They get anxious and will do anything to make it stop. They bolt for the nearest trees and chomp away. Branches tumble down. Logs splash into nearby waters.
The wood drifts and clots the stream at one focal point. From there, the beaver begins building, desperately trying to end the burbling sound. But even after finishing a dam — its work isn’t complete. The moment there is a tinkle of water, the beaver or his partner (they mate for life) jumps to work, strategically placing mud, sticks, and rocks on the hole.
