Yesterday I got only the second tail slap ever on video. I’m pretty happy about the capture. I think it was dad, who was down by the outlet of the flow device while the yearlings were wrestling about nearby. He saw me on the bridge and wanted to make sure our ELUSIVE kits didn’t wander into harms way. Cheryl isn’t sure his nose is pronounced enough for papa, but we both recognize the message “You kids quit horsing around and get off my lawn!”
If our kits turn up eventually healthy and stable, then I think it would demonstrate a very good thing — that the beavers have adjusted to their stay in Martinez by becoming more careful of their young, rather than less. It’s a good sign that they aren’t becoming habituated or taking our intrusions for granted, and that they still have all the skills to be wild beavers.
Click on the photo to view the footage:
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| From Tail Slap July 7, 2009 |
One other piece of news. A close beaver friend suggested yesterday that I might ask our beloved columnist and animal advocate Gary Bogue if he would be willing to donate time with himself for the silent auction! I thought the idea was crazy enough to work, so I wrote him and asked if he would consider it. He wrote back this morning that it works for him! So make sure you bring your checkbooks to the festival. Worth A Dam is offering veryyy rare treats.Thanks so much, Gary!
PS We were added to the Land’s Council Website this week. The are offering this fantastic list of reasons to keep beavers. Check it out!
[youtube:http://youtube.com/watch?v=wI5AjJd00cM]
