Beavers are the second-largest rodents in the world and were nearly completely eradicated from New York state in the early 1800s?

The Audubon Community Nature Center has had beavers popping up all over their property, with lodges and dams built near the trails as well as in the swamps.

At Audubon’s First Friday Lunch Bunch on October 4, those interested can learn about how beavers have made a comeback and the many benefits they provide. Jennifer Pettit’s “The Truth About Beavers” will include beaver biology, as well as the history of beaver management in New York and how landowners can manage beaver on their property.

Pettit is a wildlife biologist and the sportsmen education coordinator for the state Department of Environmental Conservation Region 9, serving Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. She is responsible for managing furbearer and small game mammal populations in the region.

Those attending should bring a brown bag lunch to share afterward. The fee for attending is $8 or $6 for Nature Center members. Walk-ins are welcome.

Registrations are accepted through Thursday, Oct. 3, by calling 569-2345 during business hours or going online to AudubonCNC.org/Programs and clicking “Current Schedule.”