LONG LIVE THE BREEDING BEAVERS

January is when beavers begin to breed in the Ozarks.  Only one species of beaver exists here – Castor canadensis.  This rodent has a number of specialized characteristics that make it way cool and groovy and lead to its near extirpation (fancy word for local extinction) from the Ozarks.  Beaver were largely extirpated for their fur which was used to make coats and hats.  The fur is amazing.  The underfur is a thick and silky, keeping the animal insulated and warm.  The long guard hairs can be water proofed protecting the underfur from getting to wet.  The beaver waterproofs its fur by combing castor oil through it.  Beavers make castor oil in special glands (castoreum) that release into the urethra.  Not only is castor good for waterproofing, but it is also used in the perfume industry because it provides a leather-like smell.  Who knew beavers smelled sexy?  Apparently they did!  Long live the breeding beavers!