Beaver Traps

My students and I had the unique opportunity two days this week to observe a local trapper at work.  Both days we climbed aboard the school bus and drove out to a nearby river.  We clambered down the snowy river banks, and, separated by a distance of a few feet to prevent students from breaking through the ice, walked (slid!) across the ice to a large beaver lodge. 

On Tuesday, the trapper chipped holes in the ice to place a number of different types of traps and snares into the water to catch beavers.  The traps were strategically positioned close to and away from the lodge, along routes that beaver use to travel to and from the lodge under the ice. 

Today, the trapper chipped holes in the ice again, taking careful note of air bubbles frozen in the ice that indicated that an animal was caught in a trap.  During the time we were there, the trapper pulled up a mink, a muskrat and a medium-sized beaver.  The trapper was very patient with the class, answering questions and involving them in the process.  Even though it was -15C outside, the majority of my students were engrossed in learning about traditional ways, especially from a respected member of the community.  And it gives me more opportunities in the classroom for making curriculum connections.  Win, win, all around.

I took pictures today (though not well as it's hard to manage a class and take pics!), but can't show most of them because students' faces are in the photos.  However, here is a sample that gives just a hint of what we experienced and witnessed: