Once They Were Hats - In Search Of The Mighty Beaver

[Stanley Doble]

Just finished this new book, Once They Were Hats (In Search Of The Mighty Beaver) by Frances Backhouse.

Wonderful history of the beaver, concentrating on North American and especially Canada from the Colonial period to the present time. Much about their range, natural history and environmental impact which was huge.

The trade in beaver pelts and beaver hats is a large part of the story. There is a chapter on the making of beaver and other felt hats by Smithbilt Hats of Calgary Alberta and a visit to the North American Fur Auctions annual winter sale.

Fun fact. In 2007 a pair of wild beaver set up housekeeping on Manhattan Island, the first in 200 years.

 

[jlee562]

There's now talk of re-introducing beavers into California as a means to help ameliorate he drought.

 

[Stanley Doble]

If the above book is anything to go by, it might work. The author describes the environmental impact of beaver ponds. In some areas there were dozens of beaver ponds every one of them resulted in surrounding areas being soaked with water, raising the water table. They also held back rainwater, snow melt and floods, and prevented top soil from being washed away. Provided habitat for wild fowl, fish, and other animals which provided food for predators.

In the Great Plains and on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains when the beavers were trapped out their dams fell into disrepair, the ponds vanished, fish birds and animals disappeared, aspen willow and grasslands dried out and were replaced by sage brush and desert.

Only recently have experts come to appreciate the environmental impact of the beaver.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

The European beaver has seen quite a few reintroductions into it's former ranges too, notably in France & Germany, for their beneficial effects on the enviroment & bio-diversity. However, as is often the case, some individuals come into conflict with human interests.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

There's now talk of re-introducing beavers into California as a means to help ameliorate he drought.

Well, the beaver's rain dance is very effective...