The American Beaver (Castor canadensis) was named Oregon state animal by the 1969 Legislature. Prized for its fur, the beaver was overtrapped by early settlers and eliminated from much of its original range. Through proper management and partial protection, the beaver has been reestablished in watercourses throughout the state and remains an important economic asset. The beaver has been referred to as "nature's engineer," and its dam-building activities are important to natural water flow and erosion control. Oregon is known as the "Beaver State" and Oregon State University's athletic teams are called the "Beavers."

Oregon
The state of Oregon is in the middle of a Renaissance. Their wine country is flourishing in a way it never has before. Although Oregon has been producing wine since the very early 20th century, it is only recently that their wines are being singled out by critics and enthusiasts.

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