Beavers were hunted to extinction in England's countryside 400 years ago but made a mysterious comeback in 2014, appearing seemingly out of nowhere on the East Devon River.
So can we speculate how the beavers got there? Secret reintroduction by humans? They were there the whole time in tiny numbers? Ideas?
It doesn't sound like the beavers came out of nowhere. It sounds like they were intentionally reintroduced, and the "stunning discovery" has to do with the beneficial effects of having beavers around. The article is pretty vague, but the end bit about a similar experience in Scotland seems to match the headline (that these were intentional reintroductions).
"By the late 17th century, the beaver was virtually extinct in Europe due to the high demand for beaver felt top hats". The demise of the beaver was the fashion industry.
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So can we speculate how the beavers got there? Secret reintroduction by humans? They were there the whole time in tiny numbers? Ideas?
It doesn't sound like the beavers came out of nowhere. It sounds like they were intentionally reintroduced, and the "stunning discovery" has to do with the beneficial effects of having beavers around. The article is pretty vague, but the end bit about a similar experience in Scotland seems to match the headline (that these were intentional reintroductions).
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/reintroductions-key-species/reintroductions-and-bringing-back-species
Seems like it's an unofficial reintroduction in Devon, but intentional for sure
Edit: https://www.codastory.com/waronscience/rewilding-beavers-conservation/
Omg Beaver Bombing 😍
Sounds like when they reintroduced wolves to Yellowstone.