Bring back the beaver!

Beavers build sophisticated dams and deep-water ponds that slow erosion of riverbanks, create cooler deep-water pools for temperature-sensitive plant and fish species, and increase the water table, a big deal for Western states coping with drought. And they're social animals who have mates, kits, and an active social life. But centuries-old myths and fables about the beaver have led to their destruction and prevented us from recognizing their charms and value to the ecosystem. We fear them, dislike them, and use them for all the wrong reasons, like killing them for their pelts. Let's celebrate the beaver! GUESTS: Jim Robbins: Freelance journalist based in Montana and a frequent contributor to the New York Times. He’s the author of several books including, The Man Who Planted Trees: Lost Groves, Champion Trees, and An Urge To Save the Planet Rachel Poliquin: Freelance writer and curator. She’s the author of The Breathless Zoo: Taxidermy and the Cultures of Longing, and Beaver, for the Reaktion Books’ Animal Series Heidi Perryman: Child psychologist and the founder of Worth A Dam Sherri Tippie: Rescues beaver in Colorado and rehabilitates and relocates them to areas where ponds are needed Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show, which originally aired on November 19, 2014.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.