It is their natural habitat. Beavers don't mind the proximity of humans. They simply settle themselves where there is running water, and poplars in abundance in a natural setting in the middle of a forest. And for the decades that we've observed them it seems obvious enough that they appreciate an environment similar to one we take pleasure in, but for them their very existence is inextricably involved. Why should we begrudge them their vital opportunities to take advantage of what nature has prepared for them? We are the interlopers, not they.

Although we'd long been accustomed to coming across beavers when we so frequently hiked in the Gatineaus and came across various small lakes where dams were evident, and when we were canoeing in one or another of the larger lakes we would experience the fascinating sight and sound of a beaver in relatively close proximity to our canoe slapping its tail on the surface of the lake in typical beaver warning, when we ventured too close to its home.

Here, in Bilberry Creek ravine, just a short walk from our home to access, beaver now and again settle themselves in quite particular spots well known to anyone who often rambles through the woods. They build their dams, they forage for food to store in their lodges, and they feel comfortable where they are. It is only when people complain to municipal authorities that beavers are cutting down trees in their neighbourhood forests that action is taken to remove them, and in their removal the community is poorer for its relations with urban wildlife.

In the last few months we've noticed the return of beavers. A few years back there was a little colony and once, a severe rainstorm that brought flooding to the ravine and elsewhere sent the bewildered kits out of their lodge to amble up and down our street to escape the inundating water, kind of a surprise, since we surmise it's their natural element. As usual someone must have complained (it takes merely one complaint for the municipality to act; perhaps someone feared for the safety of their children or the family pet in an potential altercation with beavers) and the lodge and dam were destroyed, the beavers hauled off somewhere else.

But of late, the unmistakable sign of beavers back in our locality has been noticed by us, by regular ravine hikers. Small to middling-sized poplars have been tumbling apace. The beavers will go to some considerable distance to find the tree specimens they favour, both for building material and for food. It's amazing to think that these industrious creatures emblematic of Canada itself live within our midst. And we're convinced we're the better for their presence.