Beavers Return to the City

For the first time in 200 years, beavers have been spotted in New York City. This may not sound like big news to those of you who live in more pristine environments, but it's caused a great deal of excitement here. The waters around New York were once a wildlife paradise--home to seals, dolphins, and foot-long oysters. But by modern times, pollution and hunting had put an end to all that.

The sight of a young, male beaver setting up house in the Bronx River is a sign that New York's waters are healthier--but also a sign that the beavers' wooded upstate habitat is shrinking. Seems most of these creatures would prefer to stay out of the city, but they may no longer have a choice.

The New York Times has a great video of the beaver, which biologists named Jose. (In may not last long, so take a look while you have the chance.)