Perhaps more than any other animal, the Beaver (Castor canadensis) has played a significant role in the history and colonization of the Hudson Valley. Though Henry Hudson's Half Moon was searching for the Northwest Passage in 1609, the discovery of Beavers, and native people willing to hunt and trade the pelts, stimulated the first American economy.
American Beavers are often considered hazardous pests to local habitats because of their habit of building dams, but they can actually help bring biodiversity to a habitat.
Further Reading
American Beaver - is a semi-aquatic species of rodent native to Canada and United States.
NatureWorks - Characteristics, habitat, and behavior of Castor canadensis.
