If you look at the historical context, the fur trade, and the beaver in particular, was responsible for the early exploration and settlement of Illinois. Back then, they were being harvested primarily for top hats. The under-fur was perfect for making into felt, which was made into top hats.

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They're real common. In downtown Chicago, Jackson Park, they were cutting down trees.

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The whole state turns out to be a wonderful beaver habitat. The beaver population is higher than it has been in 200 years.

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