Title: Eager
Author: Ben Goldfarb
Why I Read This Book:
I asked free books (to prisoners) organizations for books on beavers as part of my self-study on the wildlife I hope to rehabilitate and heal while working in veterinary care in Oregon after my release.
What I Learned:
Goldfarb fulfills his promise to teach us why beavers matter by covering an overwhelming amount of history. The United State’s history seems to secretly revolve around the fur trade, hundreds of thousands of pelts of which were of Castor canadensis. Goldfarb gave us a glimpse into what our country looked like before white man stepped onto its soil. America was built on the Fur Trade and even had an impact on wars and geopolitical history events.
The author took readers on an adventure throughout North America and to the UK where I learned of their family dynamics, how they build dens and lodges, and most importantly, how other species such as swans, frogs, butterflies, and so many others depend on them.
I learned why they’re disliked by farmers and are often killed. The relocation stories and people who judicially advocate for them inspired and thrilled me.
How Will Reading “Eager” Contribute To My Success:
Goldfarb provides valuable information for a future wildlife veterinarian, including their behavioral characteristics, damming instincts, and information about their teeth, digestive system, circulatory system, glandular secretions, their fur, eyesight, and most importantly their diet and natural predators.
I gained knowledge of many species’ latin names and vocabulary such as Cultural Carrying Capacity, Caecotrophy, Castoreum and much more.
Thanks to Goldfarb, I’ve written to conservationists he’s mentioned in hopes of networking and acquiring information and resources.
