It’s Raining Beavers in Idaho! 76 Beavers Were Dropped From Parachutes in 1948
Chamberlain Basin is the largest protected roadless forest in the continental U.S and is also home to a flourishing beaver population. These beavers aren t necessarily native to the are though In 1948, 76 beavers were relocated to Chamberlin Basin via an unorthodox transportation method - leftover World War II parachutes (check out the video below)!
As Payette Lake became more populated by people in the 1940s, there became less room and tolerance for the beavers as they were a huge interference to irrigation and agricultural endeavors. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game decided they had to step in and find an entirely new home for the beavers. While there is a plethora of wilderness options perfect for a beaver to thrive in here in Idaho, getting them to that perfect destination was the issue.