"IT TAKES A VILLAGE"

Beaver (North American) - 5 Photos

 

It takes a village (or at least a multi-generation beaver family) to raise a young beaver.

 

This, I believe, is one of three young beavers born this Spring. (This is based on some intel received from a reliable individual who at dusk, spotted three very small beavers near the lodge late July.) It probably is the oldest of the three and has already joined the workforce, bringing tiny branches, etc. back home.

 

However, early this particular evening, the youngster was in among the bulrushes, taking time to choose just the right treat (Photo #1). There was a much larger beaver out in the woods (Photo #2), who subsequently returned to the stream and was immediately greeted with soft murmuring by the little one (Photo #3 through Photo #5).

 

I don't believe this larger beaver was a parent as although bigger, it is definitely not the largest by far in the family. Probably, he/she was an older sibling by a year or so.

 

This bulrush area is also a favourite eating spot for the other beavers. Although it can be reached entirely through a system of ponds & creeks, all in water, it is a bit of a trek and can present some vulnerability in accessing. Once reached, however, it provides superb protection from predators with its thick cover of rushes.

 

I, unfortunately, was not there to witness the trip by this young beaver, who I assume completed it under the accompaniment of an older beaver. But having reached their destination, it probably made for the perfect "Baby Beaver Daycare". Woods for building material is just a quick beaver trip from water to land and a return to keep an eye on a younger sibling just a minute or so away.

 

And the quick reunion to share a meal together generally seems to be a happy one.

 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5