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Beavers released in UK after 400 year absence
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The European beaver is now claiming territory in the lakes of the Scottish countryside after being transplanted there last week.
The first beavers to swim in British waters for over 400 years are making themselves at home in the Knapdale Forest in Argyll, Scotland. European beavers, once common in the countryside were hunted to extinction. The last recorded sighting being in 1526 (Mongabay.com).
The European beaver population was wiped out for it's fur, medicinal oil, and meat. Apparantly, Roman Catholics were allowed to eat the meat from the tail and paws of the beaver instead of fish on Fridays (Scotsbeavers.org).
Three beaver families were released on the 28th and 29th of May. The beaver were transported from Norway. All reports show that the beaver are adjusting well. One of the families has already started construction on a lodge(Scotsbeavers.org).
While reintroducing animals is common in the United States, this is the first animal to be reintroduced in the United Kingdom.
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