Self-castrating beaver BL MS Sloane 4016, c.1440, Italian herbal Courtesy of British Library
That’s right. That hooved creature gnawing off its own testicles was supposed to be a beaver. Should we be surprised? The Italians probably hadn’t seen a live beaver in a century or more when this was painted.
How accurate would our rendition of a Dodo be in comaparison?
I’m a collector of particularly egregious beaver mistakes – somewhat of a connoisseur you could say. But this takes the proverbial cake. I think it’s the hooves that do it. How does a beaver swim with hooves?
Might the hunters have believed they could hear them clattering along the path and thus know where to search?
From the ridiculous to the sublime. I’ve been very impressed with Mountain House. Who is not only entering a full Martinez-like community education phase, reading and watching everything they can, but also meeting with eagle scouts and hosting a library learning event (“Tales and Tails”) where they will read beaver stories and be crafting you-know-whats next week. This quote on their facebook page particularly impressed me.
Given the recent, very nice words of our council and especially with the timing of the mural approval, this struck me as impressive. Somethings DO change I guess.
I am new to this group (as of last week) thanks to that wonderful local article about our beavers which I seem to always miss on my walks. Happened to meet a fellow from Martinez today and I mentioned how I recently came to know that his city faced a similar issue and it opened up a lengthy conversation. Mostly good things but def said the issue was so very political for quite some time. I hope we do everything to protect these helpful and adorable creatures.
Can I get an Amen? I guess saving beavers is contagious. I hope it becomes an epidemic.
