RIDGEFIELD. Wash. — A new livestream from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is giving the public a close-up look at a growing beaver family — and a broader effort to restore ecosystems across Southwest Washington.
The “Cowlitz Kit Cam,” launched by the Tribe, follows four baby beavers born April 16 and their mother as they develop skills needed to survive in the wild. Viewers can watch the kits in real time as they prepare for eventual relocation and release.
The livestream is part of a larger conservation strategy.
The Tribe operates the largest beaver relocation program in Washington state and one of the largest in the western United States. Each year, about 70 beavers — roughly 20 to 30 family groups — are moved from areas where they may conflict with humans to habitats better suited for their survival.
“As Cowlitz people, we have always understood our responsibility to care for the land and the resources it provides,” Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman Bill Iyall said. “This program is one way we are putting that responsibility into action—restoring balance to our ancestral homelands and waterways, and planning for the generations that come after us.”
The livestream underscores that mission by helping people understand why beavers matter.
Once heavily reduced by fur trapping and habitat loss, beaver populations remain below desired levels in many areas. Their return plays a critical role in restoring wetlands, improving water quality, and supporting fish and wildlife habitat. As a foundation species, beavers also help landscapes better withstand drought and other environmental pressures.
Beavers brought into the program are temporarily housed at a facility on the Cowlitz reservation while wildlife professionals work to capture remaining family members. Keeping families together improves survival rates after relocation. The animals are typically held for about a week before being released into carefully selected habitats, followed by monitoring to track their impact.
By sharing the early life of one beaver family, the Tribe hopes to connect viewers to a larger ecological story — one where relocation helps rebuild natural systems while reducing conflicts in developed areas.
The “Kit Cam” will remain live until the four kits are released into the wild.