Bringing beavers back to the Beaver State Oregon tribes are reintroducing a species that creates important habitat for First Foods. But the Beaver State's laws don't work in the animal's favor. Author: May 3, 2021 A gnawed tree on the shore of the Umatilla River is the work of a beaver. Bushes and trees provide food and shelter for these nocturnal rodents. (Photo by Kathy Aney, Underscore) Oregon tribes are reintroducing a species that creates important habitat for First Foods. But the Beaver State's laws don't work in the animal's favor. Lucy Sherriff C’waam and Koptu were once a staple meal for the Klamath Tribes. They’re a rarity now — members are allowed to catch only two of the suckerfish a year. The ray-finned C’waam, with its long snout and the smaller white-bellied Koptu, with a large head and lower notched lip, are only found in the Upper Klamath basin.