A few days ago our Beaver friend felled another large tree. He worked on this tree, off and on, for the better part of two weeks. Progress was sporadic, and sometimes barely noticeable. He did the majority of the work the night the tree came down.

The Beaver pond has changed dramatically over the last couple of months. The dam is more distinct and easier to see. Most of the small trees in the center of the pond have been removed, and the Beaver has made substantial progress removing reeds from the pond’s perimeter. Busy as a Beaver ain’t no joke.

As the Beaver’s efforts to clear his pond of of trees and reeds continue unabated, so too does his ability to evade my Scouting Cameras. When I first noticed gnaw marks on his most recently targeted tree, I set up two Scouting Cameras to monitor the effort. I had one set to take still photographs, and the other set to take video. It was my hope that I would record the actual felling of the tree.

Well, no such luck. In fact, I recorded no images of the Beaver at all. The cameras routinely capture images of the Mallards at this location, so I know the cameras are functioning properly. I’m starting to think that maybe the Beaver’s fur is such an effective insulator that the camera’s motion detector cannot recognize it as a heat source. Camera Trappers, any suggestions?

Here is a look at the Beaver's most recent victim. The Beaver will have trouble stripping the branches from this trunk because of the way the tree landed on the concrete wall. There are two other downed trees in this picture, as well.
Here is a look at the Beaver’s most recent victim. The Beaver will have trouble stripping the branches from this trunk because of the way the tree landed on the concrete wall. There are two other downed trees in this picture, as well.
The Beaver's lodge continues to grow. The mud and reeds on the right side of the lodge are relatively fresh.
The Beaver’s lodge continues to grow. The mud and reeds on the right side of the lodge are relatively fresh.
This picture shows the relationship between the lodge's location, and the last tree the Beaver took down.
This picture shows the relationship between the lodge’s location, and the last tree the Beaver took down.
My Scouting Cameras were focused on the Beaver's efforts for what must have been hours. No images of the Beaver were recorded.
My Scouting Cameras were focused on the Beaver’s efforts for what must have been hours. No images of the Beaver were recorded.

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