Sometimes in order to get folks to really pay attention you have to talk like a scientist. Good thing for beavers Zane Eddy’s thesis defense is now available online to tell the story of the Martinez Beavers from an academic’s point of view. This is so well done with lots of explanation on the expanding nature of “Cultural Carrying Capacity” and even has video from the actual November 7th meeting I hope you’ll watch and share.

Thank you Zane for all your hard work and congratulations!

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Afterwards if you have change burning a hole in your pocket this morning I know just what you should spend it on, as a very rare castoroides skull is up for auction at Bonham’s today.  Thanks Rickipedia for the tip. I can imagine him with something like this on his wall. How about you, are you tempted?

Giant Beaver Skull

25 May 2021, 10:00 PDT

Los Angeles

Castoroides ohioensis
Pleistocene
Florida

One of the main anatomical differences between the Giant Beaver and modern beaver species, besides its massive size, is tooth structure. Modern beavers have chisel-like incisor teeth for gnawing on wood. The teeth of the Giant Beaver were bigger and broader, growing to about six 3 inches in length. Also, proportionate to its size, the tail of the Giant Beaver was longer and narrower, and its hind legs shorter. The first Giant Beaver fossils were discovered in 1837 in a peat bog in Ohio, hence the species name ohioensis. The present specimen displays excellent preservation and expert preparation. The upper incisors are original. Specimens of this size and quality are very rare. Offered on a custom base. Measuring 14 x 11 x 9 in

Now I can remember when I thought I was insane for buying the copy for 350 way back in 2008. It just struck me as hilarious to show up at a city council meeting with this on my lap. But the real thing would have been wayyyy more funny.