Early postglacial beavers in southeastern New England

Wood cut by Castor canadensis(?) has been found at or near the base of five peat deposits studied in open exposure. Beavers apparently entered the region about 12,000 years ago and rapidly occupied most low-lying places. Many existing bogs may be the result of early dams. The disturbance of pond sediments by beavers probably affects pollen stratigraphy. Charred wood in early beaver structures indicates forest fires and the possibility that the climate was drier than it is today.