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“Busy Beaver”
(Published in the 1996 WV DNR Wildlife Calendar)
Beavers were once widespread in the area known as West Virginia, but by 1825 they were nearly all exterminated, and absent from the state by the 1900’s. After the severe drought of 1930, sportsmen’s groups, the U.S. Forest Service and WV Conservation Commission, impressed with the water-conservation capabilities of the beaver, obtained 64 animals from Michigan and Wisconsin. These beavers were released between 1933 and 1940 in several West Virginia counties. These first beavers rapidly multiplied and began a tremendous success story in West Virginia wildlife management. Today beavers are found in every county and are still increasing throughout the Mountain State. Beavers are semi-aquatic mammals that require a constant supply of fresh clean water and trees. Aspen are beaver’s preferred food, but they will eat just about any tree if necessary. Beavers are well known for their industrious nature of building dams and lodges from trees and mud. They also create habitat for other wildlife such as waterfowl and woodcock including snags for cavity nesting birds. Dams also reduce flooding by slowing the flow of water. However, water held behind the dam usually increases in temperature, which can be detrimental to cool water fish species.
Inspiration: I was inspired to do the beaver due to my many trips to Canaan Valley, WV and boating on the Stonewall Jackson Lake, Roanoke, WV. The lake has a plentiful supply of beaver lodges along the shore and many times I’ve had the pleasure of watching the beaver gather tree branches to add to it’s lodge.