California aims to tap beavers, once viewed as a nuisance, to help with water issues and wildfires

UNDATED (AP)- Beavers have long been treated as a nuisance for chewing down trees and shrubs and blocking up streams. But the animals are increasingly being seen as nature’s helpers in the midst of climate change. They can create lush habitats that lure species back into urban areas, enhance groundwater supplies and buffer against wildfires. California is the latest state to embrace the animals. It has adopted a policy that encourages landowners and agencies to seek solutions such as wrapping trees rather than killing beavers. The policy went into effect last month. It follows similar moves by other Western states such as Washington.