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Today we explore the fascinating history of animal domestication and why beavers, despite their unique and valuable traits, were never domesticated. From their industrious nature in building dams and lodges to the exceptional properties of their fur, beavers have always been remarkable creatures. They were a key part of the medieval economy via the beaver fur trade and were hunted to near extinction in Europe and Asia. The demand for beaver pelts influenced the invention of new felting techniques and even led to the phrase "mad as a hatter." It’s a story with a somewhat happy end, as today beaver conservation efforts have allowed beavers to reclaim some of their native habitats (yay beavers!).
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Have a fancy historical idea you’d like me to cover? Drop a comment and let me know!
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0:00 – Beaver history!
5:31 – So why didn’t we domesticate them?
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Further Reading:
“Fur, Fortune, and Empire: The Epic History of the Fur Trade in America” by Eric Jay Dolin – https://www.google.com/books/edition/Fur_Fortune_and_Empire_The_Epic_History/7G-xsTzXz6sC
"Beavers: Their Extraordinary Lives and Curious History" by James Poling – https://www.google.com/books/edition/Beavers/Y6yhHAAACAAJ
