ビーバー

　随分前から居間に置いてあった「CANNED BEAVER」と書かれた缶。娘がアメリカにいる友人に会いに行った時に買ってきた物らしい。



　まったく気にも留めていなかったが、この間台所に缶を開けた状態で置いてあったので、初めて中身が分かった。文字通り、ビーバーが入っていた・・。
　ちょっと面白いので、外に出してみた。

　
　
　あまり可愛くないが、ビーバーって概ねこんな感じなんだろう。
　だが、私が興味深かったのは、こんな中途半端なぬいぐるみよりも、缶の裏側に書いてあった"BEAVER FACTS"だった。

Canadian beaver is known around the world for its high quality warm fur. The Canadian beaver lives in dens made of mud and sticks with entrances under the water to prevent unwelcome intrusions. The dens are moist, but stay warm even during the prolonged cold northern Canadian winters.
Beavers are active throughout the year, however they are primarily nocturnal and most likely to be observed in the evening as they begin their work. Late night tail slaps can be heard at great distances to signal others of impending danger.
Beavers have few tenacious enemies and generally live harmoniously with their environment. Their habitat provides welcome relief for other animals during time of drought. Huge eapnsss of North American were once populatede by beavers until trappers in search of beaver pelts, thr single most valuable commodity in much of North America in the 19th century, almost wiped them out. The fur was in great demand for robes, coats, and top hats.
Beavers have been reestablished over much of their former territory and are protected from over exploitation, however some beavers are still used for commercial purposes. The price they bring depends on their size and quality of fur.

Remember, if you see wild beaver:
DO NOT GO NEAR THEM!
Treat then with respect and BE CAREFUL!

　
ところで、かなりご無沙汰してしまっているが、ビーバーさん、お元気だろうか・・。