We checked my trail cameras in Glen Canyon Park again on Saturday, February 20^th, 2016. Of most interest were pictures of the beaver cutting at the large cottonwood tree. The tree is now much reduced in diameter where the beaver has made his cuts and if he continues his work, it will surely soon fall. This first picture was taken on February 15^th.

The work continues and the video shows that the cutting has now reduced the tree to a narrow spindle and the beaver is having considerable problems getting into the narrow cut to bite deeper. Now and then he bites away more wood above his main cut in order to widen his access to the center of the tree.

In spite of the law that requires dogs to be kept on leash in the park, many people still allow them to run loose. This poses a hazard to wildlife, particularly to newborn animals. Deer fawns are particularly endangered and even if no direct injuries occur, the presence of free roaming dogs is certain to reduce the wildlife use of the park. Wildlife sightings will be fewer. Two pairs of large dogs, one black and one tan colored in each case, have developed the habit of using the beaver tree as a marking post, spraying urine right into the area where the beaver works.

 I am surprised that the beaver has not already stopped work in disgust. I have been getting  many pictures of these dogs on my cameras but until now, have chosen to just discard them. Perhaps if the photos are published it may have a deterrent effect.