Howes M802 "Probably the first study of the behavior of a single animal in the mordern sense and certainly the first American work in comparative psychology."--Gach. "..long regarded as a classic on the subject." DAB, Vol. XIII, 185.
Discusses the history of beaver trapping and the fur trade, the near extinction of the species, the beaver's habits and habitat, and conservation efforts leading to the beaver's comeback.
Our modern idea of what a healthy landscape looks like and how it functions is distorted by the fur trade that once trapped out millions of beavers from North America's lakes and rivers. Goldfarb shares the powerful story about one of the world's most influential species. He explains how North America was colonized, how our landscapes have changed over the centuries, and how beavers can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, extinction, and the ravages of climate change. -- adapted from jacket
Introduces readers to the life, diet, habitat, behavior, and physical description of American beavers. Colorful spreads, fun facts, diagrams, a range map, and a special reading feature make this an exciting read for animal lovers and report writers alike.
“Unexpectedly delightful reading—there is much to learn from the buck-toothed rodents of yore” (National Post). Beavers, those icons of industriousness, have been gnawing down trees, building dams, shaping the land, and creating critical habitat in North America for at least a million years. Once one of the continent’s most ubiquitous mammals, they ranged from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Rio Grande to the edge of the northern tundra. Wherever there was wood and water, there were beavers—sixty million, or more—and wherever there were beavers, there were intricate natural communities that depended on their activities. Then the European fur traders arrived. Once They Were Hats examines humanity’s fifteen-thousand–year relationship with Castor canadensis, and the beaver’s even older relationship with North American landscapes and ecosystems. From the waterlogged environs of the Beaver Capital of Canada to the wilderness cabin that controversial conservationist Grey Owl shared with pet beavers; from a bustling workshop where craftsmen make beaver-felt cowboy hats using century-old tools to a tidal marsh where an almost-lost link between beavers and salmon was recently found, it’s a journey of discovery to find out what happened after we nearly wiped this essential animal off the map, and how we can learn to live with beavers now that they’re returning. “Fascinating and smartly written.” —The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Rare landmark study (1868) offers unique historical perspective on fascinating rodent: anatomy and characteristics, habitat, dams, ledges and burrows, food, trapping methods, animal psychology, much more.
The American Beaver in New York: A Century of Wildlife Conservation details the story of the American beaver in New York from the point of total extirpation to a return of prominence during the 20th century. The authors give a comprehensive explanation of the conservation activities of three generations of wildlife biologists who at times risked their lives to manage a keystone wildlife species. The comeback story of this species will inspire future biologists to take up the cause of wildlife conservation and to help educate those interested in the work and commitment that goes into protecting our world's precious animals. About the Authors Robert F. Gotie is a retired Senior Wildlife Biologist of over 34 years who worked for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife in Cortland, NY. He holds a BS degree in Wildlife Science from Cornell University and an MS degree in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M University. He has authored and co-authored many papers in both technical and popular publications as well as countless Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration reports. He resides with his wife Mary Ann in Truxton, NY. Mark K. Brown is a retired Senior Wildlife Biologist of over 31 years who worked for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife in Warrensburg, NY. He holds a BS degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Vermont. He has authored and co-authored over 75 technical papers, articles, final reports, and abstracts on furbearer management. He and his wife Charlise live in Warrensburg, NY where they own and manage Brown's tree farm.
"Simple text and full-color photography introduce beginning readers to American beavers. Developed by literacy experts for students in kindergarten through third grade"--