Coyote creek runs from the south bay sloughs directly through south San Jose. It is one of two big Rivers in the area (the other being its well known cousin the Guadalupe). It is known mostly for the trail that runs along side it, which is a popular biking and hiking destination. It has its share of troubles and was recently listed as one of the ‘dirtiest creeks in the south bay’ by the SF GATE.

And now it will be known for something else.

Rick Lanman (Wikipedia Rick and driving force behind the historical beaver papers) called excitedly last night all a flutter. Seems he’s the current president of the Santa Clara RCD (because good lord why wouldn’t he be?) and folks came in from friends of Los Gatos Creek with some very exciting photos to share.

Apparently, there are TWO ESTABLISHED BEAVER DAMS on COYOTE CREEK! About 6 miles upstream from the bay, north of Charcot avenue near the opera house.

Since we know there’s an established colony at Lexington reservoir, that means the lucky dispersers came down the Guadalupe, out to the bay and then up the slough and up the Coyote to find their home.

Rick’s off to take photos so he can update Wikipedia soon. And in the meantime you should just be very happy that there is, in all the world, at least one other person at all who’s EXCITED to find an beaver dam in an urban area.

God bless us every one.

Good luck little San Jose beavers!

There is more great news on the New Hampshire front, lovingly covered this time by CBC radio. You’ll definitely want to listen to this progressive discussion. I can’t wait until the same thing happens in California.

Jim O’Brien says ‘beaver deceivers’ help maintain water levels without harming wildlife