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CLIMATE CHANGE
Why We Need Beavers To Help Fight Climate Change
The resurgence of a near-extinct rodent has even helped with wildfires.
I always saw the signs before I saw the rodent: chewed up trunks, huge piles of sticks, and rows of cleaved trees. Beavers always show their work.
They were nearly hunted to near extinction — but have made a comeback thanks to their reintroduction. Sadly, they are greatly misunderstood. Beavers are far from being the disruptive pest 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…
