History

Parachuting beavers: the remarkable story

Parachuting beavers - photo from Idaho Fish and Game
In 1948, Idaho had a beaver problem. The answer? Planes, parachuters and beavers from out of town.

It’s a remarkable story:

In 1948, Idaho had a beaver problem.

In certain locations, the state’s beavers were carrying out vital tasks as agents of flood control and soil conservation. But in some areas, the rodents were outgrowing their natural habitats, gradually invading human territory and, frankly, being a general nuisance.

What to do? Resettlement was the obvious answer… The trouble was getting the beavers to the wilderness…

In the fall of 1948, 76 “parabeavers” were dropped, of which 75 survived.

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