Family Of Beavers Takes Up Residence In Downtown San Jose

SAN JOSE (KCBS) – A family of beavers has taken up residence in the Guadalupe River near the HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose.

A pregnant mother beaver and two pups have set up camp at the confluence of the Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek near the Shark Tank. Santa Clara Valley Water District spokesman Marty Grimes said it was a definite surprise to see.

"It's rather amazing that a whole family of beavers are living in Guadalupe River right downtown, right under the shadows of the skyscrapers," Grimes said. "That's really amazing."

Equally blown away was Guadalupe River Park Conservancy Executive Director Leslee Hamilton.

"This is the first time in over 158 years that we know of a beaver family living in Santa Clara Valley," Hamilton said. "We know this because the Smithsonian has a specimen taken from the Saratoga Creek 158 years ago."

Initially, there was some thought that the beavers would have to be moved because of concerns over blockage, but water district officials said that's no longer the case.

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