American Beavers are just one of the North American mammals that inhabit Ohio.

These engineers alter our landscape by using trees to rebuild waterways. The highest numbers are in the eastern and western parts of our state. Their population is now stable.However, by 1830, fur trapping led to their extirpation or local extinction in our state. Their pelts were valuable. By 1930, they were back. Starting in eastern Ohio, these semi-aquatic creatures soon spread across the state again.

If I’m not wrong, “Population stable” translates into “We can trap them again now.” This is followed by the usual list of their odd physical characteristics, but this is the part the I thought was worth noting.
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It is no wonder that they live near trees and water. Felling trees to build dams is what they do. Beavers live in ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams in most parts of the continental United States. The desert areas in our Southwest are beaver-less.

These keystone species are special. They shape our surroundings and help other species thrive. The ponds and flooded areas that they create make new habitats for numerous plants and animals. Amphibians, birds, fish, insects, and some mammals can thank them for that. Some species only live near beaver ponds.

There now That wasn’t so hard was it? I just imagine the state standing on a stool screwing up it’s face to take some really nasty medicine in a large rusty spoon. Remember Ohio is the state that shot 17 tigers in one night. It’s not the best place to be a wild anything, let alone a beaver.

Beavers in Ohio do matter. By making great changes to their habitat to suit their own needs, they are a lot like us. It is good to have them back.