The headline of the sign grabs me.
“Caution.”
The photo?
Jaw open, buck teeth menacingly framing it’s whiskery mouth, coupled with small, furry paws?
Terrifying.
Posted around the island, flyers like this one from the bulletin board in the cove, warn us locals of the mysterious, Killarney Lake Beaver — it's described “especially aggressive.”
They list out helpful ways to behave, should you encounter said creature.
For instance, there’s the obvious: don’t feed it.
But there’s also surprising tips like this one: “Do not attempt to outrun the beaver. They are very fast both on land and water." And if you’re cornered, it says, stay still.
The flyers come courtesy of a group self-described as BBW, or the Bowen Beaver Watch.
Oddly though, when I googled this group, I couldn’t find their website — just ended up learning a whole lot about Canada’s national animal.
Like, did you know they’re the largest rodent in North America?
Or that their teeth never stop growing?
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I’m pretty sure the BBW is a really fantastic April Fool’s joke. (It is, isn’t it?)
But if you do have any photos of the real (non-aggressive) Killarney Lake beaver, send it in to us at the paper.
Thanks! And to the creator of the Bowen Beaver Watch flyers, thanks for the many giggles and the double-takes.
