The babies are thought to be the first to be born in a wild urban setting in England for centuries.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/14368537

Residents and visitors to Canterbury have been treated to the unusual sight of baby beavers swimming in the River Stour.

The babies, called kits, are thought to be the first to be born in a wild urban setting in England for centuries.

The semi-aquatic rodents are known as a keystone species because of the enormous impact they have on the wildlife around them.

Sandra King, chief executive officer of the Beaver Trust, said: “It’s so exciting to see them here.”

  • MexOPMEnglish
    2•5 months ago

    Most evidence shows that beaver damns reduce flooding

    • TroyEnglish
      0•5 months ago

      Depends on where they are. Dam a creek running through a town and see :)

    • @Pyr_Pressure@lemmy.caEnglish
      0•5 months ago

      Wild beavers prevent flooding, urban beavers cause flooding.

      Wild beavers create wetlands and marshes and ponds which create storage for stormwater.

      Urban/rural beavers block ditches and creeks which overflow into roads and yards and farm fields.

    • @ReluctantMuskrat@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0•5 months ago

      All depends on where you are relative to the dam. If they build one on the creek behind your house and it floods half your yard, you’re probably going to feel a lot different about it.