Beaver Steps On my Shoe (Amazing Encounter!)

CHEWY STEPS ON ME! Here is the video of the sequence leading to ChewBarka stepping on my foot earlier this week. As you can see, Chewy knows from my scent that I am there, but I don’t think he knows what I am. He is very cautious and nervous about being close to me. And when he steps on my foot, I don’t think he realizes that it’s part of me rather than part of the ground. He definitely could smell something he wanted to eat and was searching for it. He doesn’t “trust” me, and certainly isn’t comfortable being close to whatever it is that he thinks I am. Unfortunately, I accidentally hit the “off” button on the video, but just after the video ends, he grabbed a small leafy twig I was sitting beside and took it back to the water to eat. When he is really close to me, like in this encounter, I just try to remain perfectly still and blend into the habitat. His poor vision definitely makes it easier to pull off. We don’t interact and it isn’t a situation where he is seeking me out or considers me some kind of a trusted friend. #wildlifephotography #beavers #beaver

[@snowysnowyriver]

Oh my word! How wonderful!! I only have a lay person's perspective, so I might be wrong, but apparently beavers have one of the best scent recognition abilities in the animal kingdom. They remember specific scents for all of their long lives, and can pinpoint and recognise a scent over a considerable distance. My point is this.....I genuinely believe that all the beavers on that stretch of river know exactly who you are. The amazing footage you get shows they recognise you as a being that they trust. What a wonderful gift to have their trust. Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤

[@silveray7]

The fact that beavers are comfortable being around you is amazing to see.

[@spectrumboss6696]

Someone once said to me that your channel is the Gold Standard of beaver content. I think this proves it. Either you get bit or you hang out long enough they invite you back to the lodge. I think you've had enough tail slaps, you know what not to do, and enough sense to never change those shoes. Great work. Is he still mad at you for taking the flag back?

[@dogwithbone]

i had no idea beavers had a whole fanbase, this is a very pleasant discovery (so many people in the comments with beaver icons!)

[@janvanhoyk8375]

Mike, they are accepting you. They are proud of your work. You are one of them. Join them.

[@kunstkammer]

That was amazing! I felt like I was there. I'm saving this one to watch again. ❤🦫

[@movingnow3041]

This is why...when I grow up I want to be a wildlife photographer 😊 Thank you Mike!

[@AR-yv3dj]

Looks like Chewie 😁😸🦫

[@ml_mellie]

Hi Mike If only you had taken at least a sweet potato for the poor beaver :)

[@catherineladd5300]

The tiny black eye staring directly into the camera lens was amazing.

[@traveldreamer4616]

What a great experience. Watching the beavers is always good. This one is extra special.

[@cynthiagair6359]

Fantastic encounter! And I love how s/he just paused a moment, took in your presence, then went on about her/his business. Priorities!

[@winniesangary2142]

Hi Mike Great footage he knows you are there he enjoys your company lovely posing for the camera thanks

[@kestrel8787]

Mike, that’s INCREDIBLE! ❤

[@GabiD-xu6we]

My favourite animal. Love them. Thank you for sharing. God bless you. ♥➕♥😇🙏

[@danielapaul6753]

how cute

[@hmuraco]

❤

[@gcfournier3386]

👟🦫

[@m.d.z.2832]

Mike as a fellow braver observer this is UNREAL! Was your heart racing???

[@RichRich1955]

So cool