Arizona is obviously not a state with a ton of water. In fact, it's arguably our most scarce resource, having to borrow from states like California just to keep our society up and running.

A puddle of water in Arizona
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A new project by Arizona Game and Fish, however, may turn the tables on Arizona's rivers and wetlands.

Dam it Up!

Arizona's wetlands have been diminishing for the past two centuries. Since the 19th century, more than a third  have disappeared. As such, the state has been looking into a very specific kind of power: Beaver Power!

A beaver building a dam
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These adorable little mammals are vital to wetland survival. They're most known for their dam building, which can come in handy when attempting to revive these biomes. These dams create small floods, which can help remoisturize the ground and bring back flora and fauna that may have had to relocate.

 

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Saving the San Pedro

Arizona Game and Fish obviously knew what these critters were capable of, and put them to work! Two specific beavers became the focus of their attention, as they'd been causing trouble for homeowners and businesses elsewhere in the state. So what do you do?

Two beavers cuddling together
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You relocate them! These beavers were sent to the San Pedro River, which is in desperate need for conservation. Luckily, these two were happy to help! They were dropped in the Lower San Pedro, and immediately got to work building dams, and have made significant progress in their short time down south. The two have seemed to cozy up to one another, becoming friends in a matter of no time flat.

[AZ Central]

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