Beavers are known for their eating of trees, shrubs, and in particular fresh shoots of willow, poplar or birch. While making my way back in the dark, I have cussed out the beavers for all the punji spikes they left behind. As a courtesy, they should chew things off at ground level instead of midway between the ground and my shin. Indeed, these admirable, engineering creatures have set all these punji booby traps in an attempt to impale an unwary passerby like me. Beavers have done so much of this trap setting that I have started to take it personally.
You can imagine my surprise when the last week I encountered rows of corn cut off at the ground level and hauled down the slope into the beaver’s pond.
Closeup of corn stalk cut by a beaver.
So, I wondered where did the stalks go?
Hmm, a beaver slide with a corn stalk at the end.
Closer examination, yes, beaver tracks.
Looking back up to the corn field; apparently, some beavers have taken a liking to corn on the cob.
Further along, the pond’s shoreline revealed the beginnings of a classic beaver food cache.
Perhaps this farmer is going to be seeking a trapper’s services soon?
Surprised me, this is the first time I have seen beaver depredation on a corn field, even those areas which border water. If this kind of plunder becomes wide spread, skilled trappers will be in demand. Any volunteer trappers?