Biology graduate student and conservationist RJ Hawkins was reviewing trail camera footage from along the Bronx River when something came into view: a beaver — a keystone species long absent from the river’s banks.
According to Good News Network, beavers hadn’t been seen in New York City for nearly two centuries until a pair, known as José and Justin Beaver, were spotted in 2007. The most recent sighting of the duo was in 2018, leading some to believe they had died.
Then, camera traps were set up along the Bronx River last year. And while several other species were observed — including turtles, ducks, and even coyotes — beavers were still in the wind until one swam by the camera in May…