BeaverMap informant Thomas Szczepaniak shared an interesting, unique story with us.

“One of the most unusual observations I have made while visiting the beaver colony. You are wondering what you are looking at? It was the same for me

Photo: Thomas Szczepaniak, source: BeaverMap program, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research

At first I saw an adult swimming across a rather long distance, while the sun was up, and keeping his head out of water during the whole trip (which was quite unusual)

Photo: Thomas Szczepaniak, source: BeaverMap program, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research

And when he went for the second trip I saw it, he was carrying something, or rather someone. This adult beaver was transporting the 3 months old kits to a new location due to water level rising and flooding the current burrow.

Photo: Thomas Szczepaniak, source: BeaverMap program, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research

At this age beaver kits can already swim and feed as the adults however I guess the adults beaver did not want to lose time and expose the kits to dangers so they grabbed them btw their teeth and offered them a nice cruise.

Photo: Thomas Szczepaniak, source: BeaverMap program, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research

Did you know that new born beavers are equipped with fur that will keep them afloat and forbid them to leave the lodge? Still, they are able to swim shortly after their birth.”

Thomas Szczepaniak