But by 1840, the beavers had become almost extinct. Trappers were harvesting up to 500 lbs a year. Two major summer frolics and trade fairs brought plenty of excitement to Bear Lake in 18.” “Donald MacKenzie, Jim Bridger, and a host of famous beaver hunters operated here. The historical marker just north of Garden City tells us, When fur trappers arrived in Northern Utah in the 1800’s, European hat makers had discovered that felted beaver wool made the very best hats. There is stays, fresh and crisp like any refrigerated food, until its needed. Hauling their favorite food, aspen, back to the lodge, they jam it into the muddy bottom of the pond. When winter is long, and with so many mouths to feed, the beavers have perfected their food storage. Its an extended family life – an adult pair, the yearlings, and the new kits. When the surface of the pond freezes over, the females will give birth. Not a problem for a beaver who can swim underwater for as long as 15 minutes. It’s dry – and its safe because it can only be entered by swimming through underwater tunnels. Inside a sturdy wall of sticks, rocks and mud, the beavers build a living space above the water line. It came as a surprise to me to find out that when a beaver builds a dam, it is actually building a home. Its a warning shot before the beaver dives for cover. I found out later that tail slapping is a common beaver behavior. I was sitting in the front of a canoe when a large head shot past the bow followed by a black tail that flew into the air and came down on the water with a resounding slapīy then then creature had disappeared and we paddled on. J Schmidt, PhotographerWhen I first saw a beaver in Cache Valley I thought I’d seen an alligator. Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 3:47 | Recorded on October 12, 2020
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