The Czech Republic witnessed the wonders of nature as a colony of beavers built a dam that would’ve cost the Czechs over $1 million.
What was supposed to be a seven-year project done by humans turned into a few-week project done by the beavers. The government already had approval to allocate 30 million crowns (approximately $1.2 million) to the project but was hindered by acquiring a building permit.
The beavers did what the humans couldn’t
A colony of eight beavers took matters into their own hands. Unlike humans, they did not have to worry about bureaucracies, and they started to work in the protected area right away, getting the job done in a few weeks’ time.
The humans were busy negotiating
“The Military Forest Management and the Vltava River Basin were negotiating with each other to set up the project and address issues regarding ownership of land. The beavers beat them to it, saving us CZK 30 million,” said Bohumil Fišer, the head of the Brdy Protected Landscape Area Administration to Radio Prague International.
While the discovery was sudden, there must have been more to it
“They built the dams without any project documentation and for free,” Fišer continued.
Gerhard Schwab, beaver manager for the southern part of Bavaria, told National Geographic that while the discovery was relatively instantaneous, it must have taken the eight beavers more to build the dam.
Beavers are the builders of nature
Beavers are ecosystem engineers, which means that they have a large impact on their habitat, modifying it and on the landscape and other species.
Not only this, but they also provide protection from predators, and their dams give life to other species, including fish, aquatic insects, herons, and mammals like moose and bison.
What they build is fire and flood-proof
Their architectural and natural work, made of mud, rocks, and wood, serves as natural firebreaks and provides flooding control.
The Sharps Fire in Idaho, USA, served as a great example since the valleys colonized by beavers remained protected from the blaze.
Head of the Central Bohemian office of the Czech Nature and Landscape Protection Agency (AOPK) amazed by beavers
“Beavers always know best,” said Jaroslav Obermajer, head of the Central Bohemian office of the (AOPK).
“The places where they build dams are always chosen just right—better than when we design it on paper,” he continued.
They were once on the brink of extinction
Eurasian beavers used to be on the brink of extinction due to hunting. Now, however, they are protected with a recognized role in the Czech Republic.
The largest beaver dam is that in Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada, measuring almost 800 meters (approximately 2620 ft) long and holding back run-off water from the Birch Mountains.
The Wood Buffalo National Park dam is one of a kind
Since the dam’s size is equivalent to that of seven football fields, it is believed to be a multi-generational work of beavers in the park.
According to the park’s official website, the Wood Buffalo Dam is so large it can be seen from space.
People hilariously react to the situation
One user said: “That’s hilarious and awesome at the same time!” While another funnily added: “The beavers would be more effective in the government roles too.”
A third jokingly said: “Elon hired those beavers…. #Thanksdoge.”
