Sturgeon Beavers Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache looks out on the river where there are two beaver dams fairly close together.
Beavers are two primarily nocturnal, semi-aquatic species of rodent, one native to North America and one to Europe. They are known for building dams, canals, and lodges (homes). They are the second-largest rodent in the world (after the capybara). Their colonies create one or more dams to provide still, deep water to protect against predators, and to float food and building material. The North American population was 60-400 million, but as of 1988, 6-12 million, due to being hunted for fur, for their glands used as medicine and perfume, and because their harvesting of trees and flooding of waterways may interfere with other land uses.
Each day, beavers alternate periods of activity and rest. They are most active from dusk to dawn. Midday generally finds them in the lodge, be it summer or winter.
]The beaver’s life is inextricably connected to logging—or sustenance and for habitation. This animal cuts down an average of 216 trees a year. It can fell trees up to about 40 cm in diameter. Usually a single beaver cuts a tree, but sometimes two work on a large one.
The beaver is a wonderful builder, and what it builds depends on where it lives. Its best-known structure, the dam, is only built by beavers that need to enlarge the underwater habitat that will be open to them in winter. The dam creates a pond deep enough not to freeze to the bottom, providing storage for winter food and year-round underwater access to the lodge secure from predators.
The beaver begins the dam by laying sticks and rocks in the stream bed at a narrow point in the river where the current is fastest. It embeds some sticks so that the butt ends face upstream, allowing the current to spread the branches more securely on the bottom and pack the stones, roots, and mud that complete the dam into the spaces between the twigs and leaves. Layer upon layer is added, and the result is a very stable earthwork that can withstand great water pressure and erosion. Dams as high as 5.5 m have been discovered.
Dams are maintained throughout the year, but the beavers add most material during periods of high water. Breaks in dams are infrequent, probably because of daily inspection and maintenance.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybtf ba gur tebhaq.
Treasures
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