This is the way it begins. You and some friends form an innocent walking group to be outside and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. You stroll to the creek because it’s interesting and not as many cars and spot what you think is an otter in swimming by. It all snow balls from there, Sandi. You’ve been warned,
Busy beaver captured on camera along Maple Ridge dike
A Maple Ridge resident out for a walk along the dikes got some quick pics of a busy beaver paddling in the water.
Sandi Thiessen, who started a weekly walking group on the site of a local Facebook group called Ridge Meadows 55+ Social, was walking with several members of the group last week when they heard the beaver jump into the water. They were along the stretch of dike that begins along 216 Street and ends at Neaves Road, said Thiessen.
“We noticed it surface we watched it swim about (to) get something to put in its lodge,” she explained.
Thiessen noted her group walk the dikes almost weekly and they have encountered blue herons, ducks, eagles, coyotes, and even a bear.
However, never a beaver – until now.
Ohhh do I remember those carefree innocent mornings. Strolling along with the dog on a leash. Not sure whether what I was looking was a beaver or an otter. Not knowing the city wanted to kill it or that I’d end up starting a non-profit to save it, just thinking it was “kinda cool” to watch.
“We have never encountered a beaver before and thought at first it was a river otter till we saw the tail and the size of it,” she said.
Thiessen started the walking group when she found herself walking daily on her own because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group has since become great friends, added Thiessen, with many regulars participating on the walks.
“It has been so good to meet great walking partners who are also needing nature walks to get them thru Covid,” she said.
Oh sure. It seems innocent enough now. But just ask your fellow B.C. dweller Judy Atkinson or Virginia Holsworth of Fairfield, or Rachel Siegal of Illinois. This watching over beavers thing will take over your life.
Mark my words.
This was the second video I ever made, May 6 2007. I accidentally used a nutria photo for a muskrat, Ahh memories.
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