yay for beavers!

[winterbadger]

thanks to brithistorian for this news:

from the TelegraphA pair of beavers have built what is believed to be the first dam in England for centuries.

The animals were hunted to extinction in England and Wales during the 12th century and disappeared from the rest of the country 400 years later.

One of the beavers at home on the River Tale: First beaver dam in England for centuries
One of the beavers that has settled on the River Tale

However, two beavers from Germany were introduced to a river enclosure in Devon last year.

This year, the pair have built a 6ft dam with mud, bark and twigs on the River Tale at Escot House, near Ottery St Mary.

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"..hunted to extinction in England and Wales during the 12th century and disappeared from the rest of the country 400 years later..."

"the rest of the country"? That would be, erm, Scotland (and Northern Ireland, I suppose) What do you think, pisica, does that qualify for northwatfordgap?

I guess the beavers in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" were remarkable not only for talking but for being alive at all. I wonder why Lewis chose to include them in Narnia?

For news on Scottish plans for beaver repopulation, go here.