Beaver parachuting is something I have never heard of, but I’m definitely here for it.
It’s hard to imagine how or why this was done but it is intriguing.
Beavers are cool little creatures that have a significant impact on ecosystems across North America. These animals are known for their ability to construct complex dams and lodges that alter the flow of water and create new habitat for other animals.
However, beaver dams can also have negative impacts on human activity. In some cases, beaver dams can cause flooding or damage to infrastructure, such as roads or buildings. As a result, there is often a need to manage beaver populations and control the construction of dams in certain areas.
During the late 1940s and ’50s in Idaho, beavers were moved around to establish new populations in areas where they no longer existed in effort to help the ecosystem. Beavers were generally transported by vehicles, but this became difficult in more remote areas.
As a result, some creative methods were used to get beavers to these locations. One of the more unusual methods was the use of parachutes to drop beavers out of airplanes. The beavers were placed in special boxes that were attached to parachutes and then dropped from the plane into a specific remote location.
The boxes were designed to allow the beaver to get out after it had landed.
The vintage video footage post World War II shows the whole process, even the beavers making their way down in parachutes. The boxes are seen breaking open as a completely healthy beaver comes out and goes on its merry way.
This has to be one of the wildest animal relocation methods I have ever seen or heard of.
