still life with beaver

where i live, i am surrounded by lakes. i have five lakes within three miles of my house. most of my walking trails are beside lakes and ponds. so i see lots of evidence of beavers. but rarely do i get to see a beaver up close (beavers are mostly nocturnal). i can walk a trail one morning, and walk the same trail the next day, and see multiple poplars (their preferred trees) all freshly felled with wood chips scattered everywhere. it’s always a thrill to see evidence of them–i like knowing they are here. they are a native part of this bioregion. so rather than mourn the loss of the trees, i choose to see it as sign of a healthy ecosystem.

p.s. we all know what a beaver tail looks like. well, we might not have guessed it was as scaly as it is. but what caught my attention in this photo is that webbed hind foot. it’s the not the webbing that surprises me, but rather the finger like dexterity of the foot. i guess i expected something more paw-like. it makes it easier to comprehend why they are such skillful builders.

beaver tail and foot