SFA Gardens Get Unexpected Visitors with Beavers on the Grounds

Beavers aren't creatures that we see all the time around Deep East Texas. Yes, they're here, but they're not as plentiful as, say, the wild hog population (thank goodness...). But, we do have them around here. And, if left unchecked, they can become quite the nuisance and cause a lot of damage. Unfortunately, it looks like the beavers have found their way into Nacogdoches and onto the SFA property.

Beaver Damage Spotted in the SFA Gardens

Apparently, Twiggy the Squirrel now has some competition at SFA. There is now evidence that at least one beaver is living on the SFA grounds, specifically in the SFA Gardens. How do we know that? Well, the damage left behind is pretty straightforward.

On the stretch of Lanana Creek that separates the Mast Arboretum from the Ruby Mize Azalea Garden, there are several stumps with beaver bite marks on them, trees with the bark gnawed off, and lots of woodchips left behind. Take a look here:

As you can see, the damage is just getting started. I haven't seen any evidence of the beavers building a dam on Lanana yet. This is just the beginning.

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What this does mean, though, is that the SFA Gardens staff has their work cut out for them, trying to make sure that these furry critters don't do any damage to other items in the gardens, like the bald cypress tunnels or some of the other plants that are out there. Also, I'm not real sure about the protocol on how to remove the beavers, either.

The only beaver that I'd say is welcome here - and I think the SFA Gardens staff would agree - is the mascot from Buc-ee's. Other than that, the others need to go.