Local officials in Texas have identified a new culprit in the recent floods causing havoc in the area: a rogue beaver. The unexpected turn of events has left many scratching their heads and wondering what other surprising impacts animals may be having on the environment.
The unnamed beaver, who has not yet issued a statement, is said to have been living quite happily in a nearby river for years until the recent rains caused his home to become flooded. Rather than seek higher ground, however, the beaver took matters into his own hands and began gnawing away at a nearby road.
Local residents were stunned when they woke up to find the road literally washed away, with the beaver sitting proudly on its newly created dam. Many are now questioning why the beaver was permitted to remain in the area, given the obvious dangers he presented to the community.
The town’s mayor was quick to point out that the situation could have been much worse, had the beaver not taken such swift and decisive action. “We may have lost the road, but we gained a model citizen,” he explained. “This beaver saw a problem and took it upon himself to find a solution, without concerning himself with who may be inconvenienced.”
However, not everyone is so forgiving. Animal rights activists have been quick to defend the beaver’s actions, pointing out that he was only trying to protect his home from the rising waters. Some have even suggested that the town’s failure to adequately maintain the riverbanks or provide suitable flood defences may be to blame for the situation.
Meanwhile, the beaver remains in custody as officials debate the appropriate course of action. Some are calling for the animal to be relocated to a safer location, while others believe he should be celebrated as a hero and given a key to the city.
Despite this unexpected turn of events, life in Texas is slowly returning to normal, with residents making the best of a bad situation. However, with climate change continuing to wreak havoc across the country, it remains to be seen what other unexpected challenges may be thrown our way – and which animals may be held responsible for them.
