Is this a “dog bites man story” or what? “Beavers fell trees! News at 11”. Soon to be followed by: “Enthusiastic Dog returns stick again and again!” “Rare pirate squirrel buries nut treasure in yard” and “Feline windpipe obstruction revealed to be hair cluster!”
LETA observed today that beavers have torn down one tree in front of the Latvian National Opera, by the Alfreds Kalnins Monument; another nearby tree has been seriously damaged.
A bystander tree was wounded in the crossfire, but escaped with minor injuries.
Kalnkazins points out that battling beavers is difficult due to the fact that hunting them is prohibited and there are no resources for wrapping wire gauze around the trees to protect them.
Did that just say there are no resources for wire? Just how poor is this country? We are talking about a memorial and an Opera House. How can there be a country in which people have enough money erect a memorial and see opera but not enough to buy wire? Maybe we should start a collection? Invite Bono? Live-Wire Aid?
At the moment, there are two beaver families living in Riga Canal: one in front of the Latvian National Opera House, and one by Riga Freeport’s administration building. Altogether over 120 beavers have been observed in several locations around Riga.
Ahhh, you can’t help but be touched by a city that knows where it’s beavers live. Seriously, write us if you want some tree help. We can connect you with some attendees from the recent conference in Lithuania and I’m sure get you some wire.