Beaver Makes Bronx Home

For the first time in two centuries, a North American beaver has been spotted in New York City.

Last fall NYC residents of the Bronx had reported seeing a beaver but local biologists thought it unlikely that one had taken up residence in there.

Then, over the winter, telltale signs of gnawed tree stumps and a 12-foot wide structure of sticks and mud was discovered on the banks of the Bronx River, not far from the Bronx Zoo.

On Wednesday, a team of biologists filmed the beaver swimming in the Bronx River. They have determined it is a male, several feet long and about two to three years old. Patrick Thomas, the curator of mammals at the Bronx Zoo, told the New York Times the beaver was likely looking for a mate.

The local biologists have nicknamed the beaver José. The tag is in honor of US Representative José E. Serrano, an effective proponent of efforts to clean up the Bronx River.

Rep Serrano has championed $15 million worth of federal funds towards the river's rehabilitation. Even in the last decade, the Bronx River was used like a junkyard dumping ground.

José's appearance is an indication that the river's health is rebounding and that this industrious icon of early NYC industry is returning as well.

The North American beaver helped establish New York City, but its contributions led to its demise. In 1600, there were as many as 100 million beavers in North America. By 1800, trapping, fur trading and habitat destruction had made the creature disappear.

But not before becoming a permanent part of NYC's history.

The beaver had supplied the Dutch India Trading Company with a new fur supply, subverting the difficult and expensive Russian fur trade while satisfying Holland's demand.

The beaver fur trade in New York fueled a new economy and led to the establishment of New Amsterdam. For its part in building what would become one of the world's greatest cities, the beaver is depicted on the official city seal and flag in homage to the city's beginnings as a Dutch trade post.

Although absent from the region for 200 years, the North American beaver has been held up as a symbol of New York - it is the official state animal.