Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Beavers to prevent wildfires? Conservationists are enlisting the help of these buck-toothed rodents

As California continues to grapple with a mega-drought and wildfires, we’re trying to do whatever we can to help our parched landscapes and abate that wildfire threat. But the process can be costly and time-consuming.

By Madeleine Brand • Jul 22, 2021 • 9m Listen

As California continues to grapple with a mega-drought and wildfires, we’re trying to do whatever we can to help our parched landscapes and abate that wildfire threat. But the process can be costly and time-consuming.

A few weeks ago, the Sacramento Bee reported on a floodplain in Placer County. During California’s last big drought in 2014, ecologists wanted to restore the dry, barren grassland. It would’ve taken 10 years and cost as much as $2 million. But there was another option: beavers.

Conservationists turned the buck-toothed, oversized rodents loose and got out of their way. And unlike every other contractor on the planet, they finished under budget and ahead of schedule.

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Beavers to prevent wildfires? Conservationists are enlisting the help of these buck-toothed rodents

As California continues to grapple with a mega-drought and wildfires, we’re trying to do whatever we can to help our parched landscapes and abate that wildfire threat. But the process can be costly and time-consuming.

By Madeleine Brand • Jul 22, 2021 • 9m Listen

Conservationists turned the buck-toothed, oversized rodents loose and got out of their way. And unlike every other contractor on the planet, they finished under budget and ahead of schedule.

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Beavers to prevent wildfires? Conservationists are enlisting the help of these buck-toothed rodents

As California continues to grapple with a mega-drought and wildfires, we’re trying to do whatever we can to help our parched landscapes and abate that wildfire threat. But the process can be costly and time-consuming.

Share

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Beavers to prevent wildfires? Conservationists are enlisting the help of these buck-toothed rodents

As California continues to grapple with a mega-drought and wildfires, we’re trying to do whatever we can to help our parched landscapes and abate that wildfire threat. But the process can be costly and time-consuming.

Share