Beavers are poised to invade and radically remake the Arctic.

The article focuses on the impact of climate change on beaver populations in the Arctic, particularly in Alaska, and how their northward expansion could significantly alter local ecosystems. Research by ecologists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology predicts that as temperatures rise, beavers will move into the North Slope region, potentially doubling the area covered by beaver ponds by 2050 and tripling it by the century's end. This expansion could lead to both ecological benefits, such as increased habitats for wildlife, and challenges, including accelerated permafrost thawing and the release of greenhouse gases. Local residents express mixed feelings about the changes brought by beavers, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of their presence in the region. [Extracted from the article]