By Associated Press, 03/31/03

KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Beaver dams have caused flooding on town property and blocked fire hydrant pipes for years, but officials say they're done trying to outsmart the critters.

Instead the town will celebrate the beavers that haven't been deterred by having their dams knocked down, or by the earthen berms and pipes that were put in to stop them.

Township Mayor Frank Van Horn said he has designated June 21 as Knowlton Township Beaver Day. The beaver also has been declared the township's official animal.

"Whereas, neither Department of Public Works director, nor engineer, nor game warden, nor mayor has been able to outsmart the mighty beavers of Knowlton Township," the official resolution said.

"We figured we couldn't win," Van Horn said. "Even the State of New Jersey said we've got some of the smartest beavers in the world."

When township workers remove dams to prevent flooding, the structures are quickly rebuilt by the beavers. Pipes put in to prevent clogs caused by dams are covered right up by the animals.

"They've probably been to some Ivy League school," Van Horn said. "They beat us all the time."