Another clue is to look at the trees along the shoreline to see any signs of gnawed trees. Beavers have a dramatic effect on the land. The dams they create provide new habitat for fish, plants, otters, and other underwater creatures. The new ponds also provide new water sources for moose and wolves. The land that dries up near the dams also becomes reforested because of its rich, fertile soil.
Beavers are extremely important for our forests.
In the 1500s, European fishermen brought beaver robes purchased from the Indians back to Spain. The Europeans prized the beaver fur because of its warmth and its ability to be made into felt hats. Soon there was a quest in Europe to collect beaver skins from Canada and the US to sell back home. In the 1600s British merchants traded with the local Cree Indians for beaver skins. The Indians did all of the trapping and the Europeans traded them blankets, weapons, and beads for the skins.