On a sunny but windy afternoon in late January, the Enviro Club set out across campus with a mission.

That mission was to capture images of the campus beaver in action using the club’s trail cameras.

The group gathered at Garber Hall before trekking down to Adams Pond to set the cameras.

“Our plan is to go to spots where we have seen it already, places we have seen it having a trail. The reason were doing this is, why not, it’s a fun activity to do and fun engagement,” commented Richard Marshall, sophomore.

Within the company of beaver seekers was Forestry and Wildlife Professor Todd Fredericksen, who sees the creatures’ presence as a unique experience–and a potential nuisance.

“I’ve been here for 22 years, and last year was the first time we ever saw beaver signs on either of our ponds,” he said. “People have seen at least one. Someone from maintenance thought he saw a family; it’s just interesting to have a new type of wildlife species on campus.”

Fredericksen also said having the beaver on campus is a potential problem.

“You can see that it’s doing some damage to the trees,” he said. “It’s taken down two trees that I know of.”

Another member of the squad was Trent Ray, senior, Enviro Club president. He views the rodents’ appearance at Ferrum as a possible platform for education on the semi-aquatic species.

“I am extremely excited about project beaver, it’s an amazing opportunity for both the club and the campus to learn more about the beavers and their natural habitat,” said Ray.

He also went on to say that he only had one real reason for his personal involvement: a chance to lay eyes on the bark-biting mammal.

“I wanna see the beaver!” he exclaimed.

The group set up two trail cameras on Adams Pond in areas Fredericksen said showed signs of beaver activity. The group hopes to capture as many images as possible. The club also invites others to share any information they might have.

“If anyone sees the beaver, I’d like if they could tell me or someone in the club,” Ray said.