Arizona Game and Fish biologists are trying something new—using relocated beavers to help restore critical wetland habitats across the state. And now, at least two of these industrious mammals are playing a key role in maintaining man-made dam structures, almost like unofficial state employees.
When beavers cause land management conflicts, the department steps in to relocate them. Under a new translocation protocol, some are now being paired with beaver dam analogs—structures designed to mimic natural dams—to help jumpstart the ecosystem’s recovery.
With wetlands disappearing across Arizona, these furry engineers are helping maintain water flow, improve habitats, and revive ecosystems. Though Arizona is relatively new to the idea, other states have been using beavers in ecological restoration for decades—and seeing real success.
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