Parachute Beavers: How the USA Rescued the Ecology After the War.

According to ТСН: In the USA, in the second half of the 1940s, the state of Idaho implemented a large operation to relocate beavers to remote mountainous areas. The animals were transported using military parachutes, dropping them from airplanes. As a result of the program, approximately 70 beavers were relocated.

Ecological Importance of Beavers

The decline of the beaver population in the USA began in the early 20th century due to continuous hunting and fur trading. Eventually, their numbers dropped to about 100,000. Later, researchers discovered their key role in the ecosystem: beavers hold water, reduce drought risks, cleanse rivers of pollution, restore streams, and help prevent forest fires.

Conflicts in McCall

After World War II, active residential development near water bodies began in the city of McCall (Idaho). This caused conflicts between local residents and beavers, which started building dams, flooding areas and damaging trees. The authorities decided not to destroy the animals as it was deemed inhumane and harmful to nature, so the relocation project in the Chamberlain preserve was initiated.

A New Approach to Relocation

Attempts at traditional beaver relocation, including by horseback, were unsuccessful, as the animals required coolness and water. Then, Elmo Heter, an Idaho Fish and Game employee, suggested using military parachutes and specially designed wooden containers. Before the mass operation, the method was tested on a single beaver named Geronimo. Following successful trials, the system was approved and implemented.

As part of the program, special boxes were created that automatically opened after landing. Over time, using this method, about 70 beavers were relocated, and most of them successfully adapted to the new conditions.

Discovery of the Story

The story of the aerial relocation of beavers remained little known until historian Sharon Clark found an archival film

Fur for the Future

Biologist Sean Sabo reported that currently, air relocation methods for beavers are not used in Idaho. Now they are transported in special carriers or on foot, but beavers remain important for maintaining the natural balance, creating habitats for fish, amphibians, and birds.

Interesting Fact: beavers can build a dam in two days, for which local authorities spent 7 years in approval.

The behavior of beavers and their role in the ecosystem remain important topics for research and conservation of natural resources. The story of their relocation in Idaho demonstrates a creative approach to ecological problems and emphasizes the need to maintain the balance between nature and human activity.