DUNCANVILLE, Texas -
Neighbors who live along Ten Mile Creek in Duncanville have long complained about beavers that build dams, which then flood property.
Now at least one of the creatures is gone. The city's animal control department picked up the carcass of one of the destructive rodents Wednesday morning.
It's not clear exactly how the beaver died, but a close look at its large paws and long incisors show how powerful it must have been.
Beavers typically weigh 50 to 60 pounds, but can grow to over 100 pounds, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Considering how much they work (think of the saying, "busy as a beaver"), even a single animal can wreak destruction on a suburban neighborhood.
The rodents gnaw down mature trees for shelter and smaller trees for food. Their homes, or lodges, are massive piles of sticks and mud with underwater entrances.
Beavers are most concentrated in northeast Texas, according to TPWD.
