BEAVER ALONG THE NISQUALLY

Down along the Nisqually River where its waters merge with those that have their origin at the terminus of the Tahoma Glacier, are several large groves of alder and cottonwood that seem to be a favorite rendezvous of beaver. Here are recent evidences of their industry in freshly cut stumps and other characteristic beaver workings. Two cottonwood trees -- one 2-1/2 feet in diameter and the other approximately 3 feet in diameter -- had been felled by beaver. In the case of one tree the operation was so recent that the leaves, which had just appeared, were still green and fresh. Several trips were made to this location and each time changes in the workings gave evidence of their activity the night before.

While several examples of characteristic beaver houses are found in the Park the beaver here do not, as a rule, indulge in this sort of activity. They burrow in the river bank beneath protruding stumps -- finding suitable quarters in such locations. Beaver are always interesting but, although these workings along the Nisqually are but a short distance from the highway few people who visit the Park are aware of the presence of these animals.