TechBeavers by parachute: Idaho's 1950s wildlife relocation success

Beavers by parachute: Idaho's 1950s wildlife relocation success

In the 1950s, a groundbreaking method of relocating beavers using parachutes was implemented in the United States. During that period, the beaver population in Idaho began to grow rapidly, which posed administrative challenges. The solution was to move beavers from populated areas to more remote and wild locations. However, this task encountered logistical difficulties.

Beavers "were falling" from the sky
Beavers "were falling" from the sky
Images source: © Wikimedia | Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Karolina Modzelewska

In an attempt to address the challenges associated with transporting beavers, Idaho authorities came up with the idea of airlifting the animals. In 2015, film footage documenting this unusual project was revealed, providing evidence of this historical practice. The authorities were keen on relocating beavers due to their beneficial impact on the environment.

unusual operation in Idaho

Beavers are significant for water retention. Their activities could reduce water management costs by up to 24 million dollars annually, with the dams they build serving as natural water reservoirs and supporting soil erosion prevention.

Parachutes made from materials dating back to World War II were used to transport the beavers. The animals were placed in special containers, which were then dropped near water bodies. In this nearly entirely successful venture, 76 beavers participated. The most difficulties were with one beaver, which exited the container from a height of about 23 metres.

However, over time, more lush vegetation has been observed in the newly inhabited areas. Although the method did not gain widespread popularity, it contributed to reforestation and reduced fire risk in the areas where the animals were settled.

© Daily Wrap
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.