Wow. Have read about what they do, but thought it was only in nature / forested / non-urban areas. You live in such an area, or did they enter a citified area?
I live in a rural area on the Tennessee River. It's a little more rural than suburban, but not very far out of town. Came out one day and the tree stump (about 1 1/2" around) was cut off at an angle a couple of inches above the ground, sharp enough to puncture a lawn mower tire. That tree was just gone. (The other was a little older and sprouted volunteers, so it's trying to grow back.)
It's great to live and/or be near water bodies. I love lakes and rivers and the sea. I've not lived very near any, at least for extended periods, but have been to them a fair amount. Also, I once lived for a month or so in a beach hut (bamboo) about 10 feet from the ocean's edge, in Goa. It took about 6 seconds to open the door of my hut and walk to the water's edge. The roaring of the waves at night, from so close (more loud at night than in the day, because of relatively less ambient sound) was initially a little scary, but I got used to it, and liked it after that. It kind of lulls you to sleep. Great experience.
I've read as a kid about beavers cutting down trees for their dams and lodges (IIRC the terms). Amazing stuff. Indicates intelligence. Don't know if there are any closely similar animals elsewhere in the world, in terms of their building using trees.
