You will be watched over tonight and tomorrow by the “Beaver Full Moon” which should remind you to get ready for the winter that is (theoretically) coming. It was either named so that folk would remember to set their beaver traps before the freeze OR so to honor the hard work the animals are doing getting their food cache’s ready for the long winter. I obviously think the second explanation is superior. Mostly because folks never seem to need to be “reminded” to kill beavers – they think of it ALL by themselves.
Here is another reason to think about beavers, from Connecticut where beavers seeking an education have decided to dam near the State University.
Beavers take to damming up Bass Brook near CCSU
They’re not swimming in the sewers on Main Street or in the pool at the YMCA but they are damming up Bass Brook near Central Connecticut State University. It might not be startling after the recent increase in wild animal sightings in the city, with a black bear spotted around CCSU back in June and a moose killed near busy Route 72 in September. But beavers in particular can pose problems for property owners, who the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection does issue special trapping permits to if the issues become significant enough.
“We get over 100 beaver-related complaints every year,” said Chris Vann, DEEP wildlife biologist. “Most of the problems are pretty clearly apparent — if there are high-water levels around a roadway, towns will get involved, and landowners complain if a significant part of their lawn is going underwater because their septic system or well may be threatened.”
You’ll be happy to know that the DEEP stands for the “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection”. Tell me how those two things go together? Apparently they take their job of protecting creeks from beavers seriously! (Remember that protecting creeks from beavers is like protecting banks from money, boy scouts from badges, or police from donuts.) Obviously this reporter has gleaned beaver info from sources beyond DEEP’s pocket. Because she says:
While these landscape dilemmas can be a pain for humans, the ponds that result from beaver craftsmanship serve as new habitats for other wildlife.
Mr. Vann was prepared for this comment and was armed with what I consider a truly sinister response.
“We certainly recognize the benefit of beaver, but at the same time, we regulate beaver management to try to minimize property damage,” Vann continued.
Did you get that? We know beavers are good and help the very environment that we supposedly get a pay check for protecting, but we’re worried about property damage more so we focus on that. Maybe DEEP actually stands for Defending Emerging Energy & Property? Clearly they’re not worried about Bass creek or the wildlife those beavers are supporting. They get a letter.
And you can’t be truly surrounded by beavers without a pop- culture reference. I am delighted to say that Cheryl was able to alert me to this from her bedside, which definitely seems auspicious! This is from the last week’s episode of Bones called “The Dude in the Dam.” Enjoy!
