While Oregon was being settled the fur trade was a staple to the economy, earning Oregon the nickname “the Beaver state.” While beavers are no longer economically important, beavers create important habitats for fish and other wildlife. Beavers are common throughout Oregon's waterways and riparian areas.

Why is Oregon's state animal a beaver?

Animal: Beaver, adopted in 1969. The beaver appears on the reverse of the state flag, and Oregon's unofficial nickname is The Beaver State, stemming from the early 19th century when fur hats were fashionable and Oregon's streams were an important source of beaver.

Where can you see beavers in Oregon?

Most of the rivers and streams in western Oregon have beaver activity, although actually seeing them will involve dawn and dusk watching for the most part. There are beaver dens along the banks of the Willamette and some of the urban waterways right here in Eugene.