“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself” D.H. Lawrence

Another day of beaver sorrow ended in celebration, as regulars gathered at the creek tonight to watch four very healthy beavers enjoying the evening. There were many first timers happy for the initial glimpse, as well as steadfast beaver devotees, wiping away a tear at the loss we had today. Mom was still eager for her fennel treats, and one kit was still eating blackberries. A priceless moment occured when junior tried to steal a piece of mom’s fennel and she gave him a stern nip and chasing away. The day couldn’t have ended more differently than it began: with beavers at rest and play and a sense of calm and wholeness.

Thanks to Cheryl for spotting the dead kit, to Jon for pulling it out, to Linda for standing by with a net at the ready, to Moses for filming the recovery with somber devotion, to the Lindsay Museum for taking on yet another beaver loss, to Luigi for offering to let jon shower after cleaning the creek and to the hundreds of beaver supporters who read and emailed today. The story has always been about our willingness to care for these animals, and tonight it is also about our capacity to be touched by them.