The Beaver
Effect
Take Action for Beavers
Congratulations! You’ve learned SO much about beavers, from the unique combination of traits that make them special, to the range of threats they’ve overcome, and even how they help entire ecosystems in the fight for environmental restoration. If you’ve gotten this far, I think it’s safe to say: you’re a Beaver Believer. But what’s next? Well, we have a few ideas ready for you, whether you’re stoked to learn more, observe mindfully, or take action as a beaver advocate today💪
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POLICY ACTION, pt. 1: Having a long-term, dedicated funding source focused on recovering Oregon’s most vulnerable fish, wildlife and habitat would be a game-changer in the fight against extinction. Help us pass HB 2977, otherwise known as “1% for Wildlife” by signing Oregon Wild's petition today!
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POLICY ACTION, pt. 2: Over 100,000 miles of Oregon waterways have been classified as in poor health due to spiking rates of pollution, sedimentation, or high water temperatures. These waterways must be restored, but to do this requires significant resources to design and implement plans to reduce this pollution. Fortunately for Oregonians... beavers can help do that for free! HB 3932 would close beaver hunting and trapping in waterways on public lands classified as impaired so that beavers in these areas are safe to do their thing (aka improve water quality and restore habitat). Reach out to your state senator (final them at bit.ly/FindORReps) and ask them to support HB 3932 for Beaver and Water Quality today!
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Sign up for Oregon Wild’s monthly newsletter to stay informed of opportunities to advocate for beavers through emails, testifying, and providing input and opinion when the state updates the Oregon Conservation Strategy.
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LOCAL ACTION: Join your local watershed council to ensure beavers are recognized as champions for clean and healthy waterways. Learn more about the distributions of watershed councils in Oregon here.
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CO-EXISTENCE: Support farmers and organizations working toward co-existence measures.
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EDUCATION: Read books and articles, watch videos, or check out a beaver survey field trip with a local conservation organization near you!
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BEST PRACTICES: Follow best practices (listed below) for what to do if you encounter a beaver in the wild.
5 Ways to Take Action for Beavers
Tips for Observing Beavers in the Wild:
Beavers are most active at night but can be spotted during sunrise and sunset. Unmistakable signs of beaver activity include freshly cut trees, gnaw marks on trunks, and dams and lodges.
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If you stumble upon a beaver site, be respectful and approach slowly. Beavers have a top-notch sense of smell and hearing, and you don’t want to scare them.
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Beavers can hold their breath for 15 minutes! However, look closely for telltale V-shaped ripples caused by a swimming beaver. Grab your binoculars to see their cute nostrils, eyes, and ears.
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Here's a tip for identifying beavers apart from muskrats or nutria. Beavers have a broad, flat tail that stays hidden while they swim. On the other hand, muskrats and nutrias have thin tails that sometimes sway back and forth or are held out of the water.
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Remember, even though beavers are adorable, they are wild animals and will get defensive if they feel threatened. Let's keep everyone safe and respect their space!
The Log!
All of the info presented throughout this site came from a fantastic range of scientists, authors, advocates, and beaver enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Check out their remarkable findings through books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on our resource page: The Log.
Read more, take action, reach out with a question, etc. at the links below!