A review of the historical and current status of American Beaver (Castor canadensis) on Prince Edward Island, Canada

Authors

  • Rosemary Curley Department of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8 Canada Current Address: 9 Harland View Drive, Stratford, Prince Edward Island C1B 1W2 Canada
  • David L. Keenlyside Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation, 2 Kent St., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 1M6 Canada
  • Helen E. Kristmanson Intergovernmental and Public Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8 Canada
  • Randall L. Dibblee Department of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8 Canada Current Address: 672 St. Catherine’s Road, Bonshaw, Prince Edward Island C0A1C0 Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v133i4.2145

Keywords:

American Beaver, Castor canadensis, status, dispersal, Prince Edward Island, history, archaeology

Abstract

Evidence supporting the native status of American Beaver (Castor canadensis) on Prince Edward Island (PEI) before European contact in 1534 has yet to be established; however, the postglacial and archaeological records have not previously been reviewed in this context. We demonstrate the coincidence of a land bridge between the mainland and PEI and the occurrence of beavers in the region dating between 9500 and 5000 BP (before present, with present defined as 1950). We provide an archaeological record of 14 beaver incisors in six locations, deposited between 500 and 1650 AD and also show that beavers could swim to PEI. Based on this evidence, we conclude that beavers were native to the province. The current population, originating via reintroductions from New Brunswick, has populated much of the available habitat and engendered considerable controversy.

Author Biographies

Rosemary Curley, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8 Canada Current Address: 9 Harland View Drive, Stratford, Prince Edward Island C1B 1W2 Canada

Retired Biologist, President, Nature PEI, Board Member of Atalntic Canada Conservation Data Centre and  Hillsborough River Association, PEI Scientific Advisor to Nature Conservancy of Canada, Member of PEI Invasive Species Council, Atlantic Society of Fish and Wildlife Biologists, Island Nature Trust, Acadian Entomological Society, Atlantic Canada Coastal and Estuarine Society, Former Board Member of Canadian Council on Invasive Species. Recipient of Senate Canada 150 Medal.

David L. Keenlyside, Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation, 2 Kent St., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 1M6 Canada

Served as Atlantic Provinces archaeologist,  for the National Museum of Man (1980) and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in 2008.  Currlenty is the Director of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, a provincial Crown Corporation. Cconducted aracheological research in PEI over several seasons at seveal locations. Has published in archeaological journals and the Island Magazine on indigenous cultures on PEI.

Helen E. Kristmanson, Intergovernmental and Public Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8 Canada

Former provincial archaeologist for the province, beginning in 2009, has conducted arachaeological excavations of early Acadian settlements and worked with the Lennox Island First Nation, PEi to document lifestyles and wildlife use on George Island , Malpeque Bay. She has published the results of the 1700's settlement in the Island Magazine, (published by PEI Musuem) and has co-authored a book chapter with Kennlyside on early Holocene occupation of PEI

Randall L. Dibblee, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2000 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8 Canada Current Address: 672 St. Catherine’s Road, Bonshaw, Prince Edward Island C0A1C0 Canada

Retired Biolgist. Former Waterfowl and Furbearer Biologist for 40 years for the Province of PEI, Fish and Wildife Division, in various government departments. Has previously publshed in CFN on coyotes and water shrews and contibuted articles to the Island Magazine, published by PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. Led wetland inventories and championed wetlant protection through no net loss wetland policy instrument. Outgoing Board member of Island Nature Trust, former menber of Fur Institute of Canada, Northeast Furbearer Tecnical Committe, and Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee.

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Published

2020-05-08

Issue

Vol. 133 No. 4 (2019)

Section

Articles

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