Beavers!

Beavers — Who? What? Where? When? Why?

What European government saved one million dollars when beavers engineered a dam overnight? Why are beavers so territorial? When were beavers parachuted out of planes in Idaho? What is the function of a beaver’s tail? Where can you find beavers in North Carolina? Who threatens beavers?

The worlds second largest rodent...

Incomparable engineers creating natural dams more effective than human made dams...

Hunted nearly to extinction for their pelts which were used as a form of currency in early North American development...

Responsible for "beaver fever” a zoonotic parasitic infection spread in water...

The national animal of Canada...

The source of castoreum used for centuries for medicinal purposes, perfumes, and food flavoring...

Join Falyn Owens, Wildlife Extension Biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to learn more about these rodent engineers!

Falyn Owens is the Wildlife Extension Biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. She works with organizations, businesses, and communities to find ways for people and wildlife to coexist in our shared world. Her main goal is helping people understand the wild species that live all around us - from birds and beavers to coyotes and bears – and use that knowledge to prevent problems or address them responsibly if they do occur. You might have seen her on the local news talking about snakes, deer, or other common species. She’s chair of the state’s Beaver Damage Control Advisory Board and administers the NC Beaver Management Assistance Program. Falyn also trains wildlife control professionals and rehabilitators on handling wildlife encounters safely, humanely, and legally. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, foraging for mushrooms, and learning about all the smaller critters and plants that people tend not to notice.

Registration is appreciated in order to receive notifications about this event. Seating is first come first served. Registration does not hold or guarantee a seat.

Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen Street Garage (115 North Queen Street) located directly across from the library behind the apartments.