Jamestown (CSi) September 19, 2017 – At the end of 9th Ave SE in Jamestown, where the avenue deadends at the James River,  the beavers have been busy . . . busy as beavers . . . building a beaver dam.    The structure crosses the entire James River,  and the upstream water (to the left) is being held back,  leaving the downstream river bed nearly dry.

This area of the river has seen the beaver population grow over the years.  The beavers will climb the river banks, chew through protective fences, an take trees from yards, .   Willows, Aspens, and Birch trees are among their favorites, although they have harvested many other varieties,  equal opportunity chewers.   Some energetic beavers will journey across the backyard to the front of homes to pick out trees near the street.   None are safe.

Homes downstream of the beaver dam are not too excited with the mud flats and stench.  Fortunately the weather is turning cold to kill off the mosquitos that were thriving in the standing water.