On April 27, 2025, a government-sponsored webinar titled "Wood You Believe It? Everything You Want to Know About Beavers" captivated attendees in Milton, Fulton County, Georgia. The session aimed to educate the community about beavers, their behaviors, and their ecological significance, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.

One of the most striking discussions centered around the unique dietary habits of beavers, particularly their practice of coprophagy—eating their own feces. This behavior, while surprising, serves a crucial purpose for beavers, which primarily consume fibrous woody materials. Unlike animals with multiple stomachs, beavers extract maximum nutrients from their food by passing it through their digestive system twice. The second passage results in feces that are finely processed, resembling sawdust, which allows them to absorb as much nutrition as possible.

The webinar also highlighted the beaver's territorial behaviors, including the use of castoreum, a substance secreted from their castor glands. Beavers use this to mark their territory, often creating mud piles that serve as scent markers. This aspect of their behavior underscores the importance of beavers in maintaining ecological balance within their habitats.

Participants expressed their fascination with the duality of beavers being both endearing and somewhat gross, reflecting the complexity of nature. The session concluded with an invitation for attendees to share their newfound knowledge and to look forward to the next installment of the Wildlife 101 series, which will focus on frogs.

Overall, the webinar not only provided intriguing insights into beaver biology but also encouraged community members to engage with and protect their natural surroundings. As the series continues, it aims to foster a greater understanding of local wildlife and its role in the ecosystem.