These photos were taken on the Salinas River of the beavers that are being researched by Dr. Emily Fairfax of CSU Channel Islands. Donald Quintana is a local wildlife photographer that has taken an interest in beavers and supporting the SLO Beaver Brigade in getting the message out about beavers and their benefits.
Look how industrious this beaver guy/gal is, pulling this willow along in the water. Feeling grateful for photographer Donald Quintana and sheer joy for these images he was able to capture! I feel his own curiosity, appreciation and interest in beavers when I look at these images and that fills me with awe at his skill and appreciation for his gift of expertise to our Brigade.
And, wait until you see this one…
Look at those feet, grooming his/her fur! Beavers groom frequently, as those of us who view the game camera footage can attest to! They produce an oil called castoreum that they rub through their fur, with a split toenail called a grooming claw, making their fur water proof. (It has to be regularly reapplied by the beaver.) If they didn’t consistently groom their fur, they would quickly become water soaked and get cold. This grooming allows the beavers to stay warm and dry. I could look at this photo all day.
SLO Beaver Brigade will now get to use images of our very own beavers in our digital offerings going forward. We are so thrilled!