So I wrote the naturalist Stan Tekiela that I enjoyed the photos and interview and talked to him about yearlings and dispersal. He very promptly wrote me back agreeing and praising our Martinez story and website. He actually wondered if the beavers were still visible and he could come to town to meet them/me. I told them they were living private lives now but encouraged him to come to the beaver festival, meet like minds, and maybe sell some books/photos. I also suggested he buy Ben’s book, which he was happy to do.
Consider that episode of reaching out success.
Less successful was my letter to Dr, Justyne Kostkowska in Tennessee who I wrote after that story a few days about the trapping in Tennessee. I told her our story, about flow devices, and about the good work being done to coexist with beavers just one state down in Georgia by our friends at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. I gave her information and resources and even suggested Worth A Dam could provide a scholarship for materials to do this better next time around.
I wrote her the day after the story was published and have received no response.
I am left to wonder whether she just disliked my letter or never opened it. Looking at this follow-up story I’m persuaded to try again.
Murfreesboro confirms 2 beavers were killed after animals built dam, caused flooding
The city of Murfreesboro confirmed it had two beavers killed after they say the animals built a dam that caused flooding, a move that infuriated local environmentalists.
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture biologist Blaine Hyle, Murfreesboro contracted USDA Wildlife Services in April to examine a dam made by beavers at Sinking Creek that caused flooding.
“Several property owners were affected by rising water levels, as well as Highland Avenue and the tributaries that run under this road,” said Rachel Singer, superintendent of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
Kostkowska, an MTSU professor, is part of Friends of Sinking Creek Wetlands and was a driving force behind the preservation of Oaklands Wetlands when a housing development was proposed for the area in 2017.
Beavers, known as a “keystone species,” are an indication of a healthy environment. Otters had moved into the area and fish were beginning to grow in the pond made by the beaver dam, Kostkowska said. The area is home to 141 known species of birds.
Singer says the city “absolutely” considered beavers’ impact on the environment when making its decision.
“We did everything we could to allow the beavers to stay,” Singer said. “This area is important to us as an urban wetland and serves as a refuge for many species. We remain committed to protecting these areas and the flora and fauna within.”
Pardon me for not believing the ‘team’ ever planned for any outcome but this one.
Cities lie about beavers. Trust me. And they act wounded that you wouldn’t believe their lies. That’s par for the course. I’ll try sending my letter to Justyne again.
Did you see the image from Oakland Zoo yesterday? They tweeted some “Ghostly” animal x-rays of their patients, along with my very favorite one. Check out those vertibrae tail bones. That’s why you don’t pick up a beaver by the tail by the way.
Here’s a reminder why beavers need all those complicated, fluid, descending vertibrae.
