That most toothy of rodents, and nature鈥檚 peerless engineer鈥攖he beaver鈥攈as finally resettled on local shores. The legendary state mammal of New York, whose plush coat was the chief commodity and export of New Amsterdam鈥檚 Dutch founders, was hunted to local extinction during colonial times. But recent sightings of gnawed tree trunks, a hump-shaped lodge, and at last, the shelter鈥檚 industrious master builder himself swimming nearby have proven that this New York City original is back where it belongs. 菊花视频 employees have documented their observations with photos and film.

Beavers are North America鈥檚 largest rodents. They were once widespread, thought to number more than 60 million in pre-colonial times. By 1671, the trade in their luxurious pelts had reached 80,000 annually. Beaver skins were even used as currency, worth about 16 guilders each. So central was this critter to our urban roots that it graces New York City鈥檚 official seal, and the New York Stock Exchange bell tolls just one block north of Beaver Street.

But seals and street signs could not immortalize the coveted creature. By 1800, beavers had completely vanished in the United States east of the Mississippi; a century later, the species was near extinction and needed protection. Today, the beaver has rebounded in much of its range. It has also reappeared in small numbers in Westchester County, from where the animal discovered on the Bronx River likely swam downstream.

Aside from its distinctive paddle tail and hefty size鈥攖ypically between two and three feet long and weighing 25 to 55 pounds鈥攖he beaver is best known for its powerful gnawing teeth. This animal doesn鈥檛 need a chainsaw to fell the large trees that it fashions into artfully constructed dams and lodges. Although the beaver鈥檚 handiwork can result in flooding and property damage, its dams also create ponds that provide habitat for other species and purify running water through the removal of silt.

In honor of Bronx Congressman Jos茅 E. Serrano, whose devotion to restoring the Bronx River has helped secure $14.5 million in dedicated federal grants over the past five years, the Zoo has nicknamed its newest riverine resident 鈥淛os茅.鈥�

Where鈥檚 Jos茅?
Visitors with beaver fever may be able to spot Jos茅 and his lodge from the bridge leading into the Bronx Zoo near our Bronx River Entrance (Gate B).