You ever get super curious about random trivia facts like the smallest diner in the world or the longest street in your city? Well, we’ve got a new one for you to ponder! What about your state’s animal—ever thought about that?
Now, since we live in New York it’s quick to think it’s gotta be a rat or pigeon. It’s not even a squirrel or a coyote! No, to our surprise, New York’s state mammal is actually a beaver. Right? WTF.
We’re not sure about you but the only times we’ve ever seen a beaver is Norbert, Daggett and Mr. Busy. Unfortunately, beaver’s have a bit of dark history in NYC. When New York was colonized in the 1600s by the Dutch and the English, beaver commerce was what fueled trading posts. Trappers and traders in search of beaver pelts were drawn to NYC, abundant in its beaver population. Add in deforestation and habitat loss, and New York beavers nearly faced extinction. What once was a flourishing population of 60 million beavers nearly fell to none.
It wasn’t until the 1900s that the state took on efforts to “reintroduce beavers,” specifically upstate in the Adirondacks. Over the years following, the beaver population slowly began to increase. One beaver was even spotted in the Bronx River in 2007—a sight unseen in NYC for more than two centuries! Since then, this state animal can be found making a homes across Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Beavers are much like New Yorkers, explains Wildlife NYC: hardworking, adaptable and persistent. These mammals can weigh anywhere from 30-60 pounds, and stretch up to 3.5 feet in length. Plus, they mate for life. And though beavers aren’t rats, they’re the largest rodent in North America!
Beavers were officially declared the New York State animal in 1975. If you weren’t surprised reading this article, then maybe you were familiar with the state seal that actually features a beaver. Though beaver sightings still aren’t as common as they once were, if you come across any in your day do not mess with their dams, keep your distance and report them to the city who is keeping a close eye on the mammal’s expansion.