BRIDGEPORT — A beaver living along the Chicago River has become a local sensation after a public naming contest. The “remarkably rotund” beaver, spotted on wildlife cameras in February, was described as “spherical” and possibly pregnant. Urban Rivers, an environmental nonprofit, hosted the contest, and the winning name Ida Beav Wells was revealed on Wednesday at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.
Local singer-songwriter Al Scorch made the announcement. Experts later confirmed that Ida Beav Wells was pregnant and has since given birth to two kits, named Chewy Garcia and Plumpton Sinclair.
Urban Rivers has tracked beavers around the South Branch of the Chicago River for years. Executive Director Nick Wesley said they’ve observed at least five or six beavers in the area. The family, with Ida as the matriarch, has been spotted for over a year and is monitored through a network of camera traps.
Beavers are territorial and typically stay with their families until the young venture off. Another beaver family has been spotted near Bubbly Creek, Wild Mile, and Goose Island. Wesley believes there may be more beaver families throughout the city.
