Portland's Puzzling Paddler: Unmasking the Eastbank Esplanade's Aquatic Enigma

Portland, bless its heart, loves a good mystery, especially when it involves our local wildlife. For weeks, a grainy photo of an unknown aquatic creature, splashing about near our bustling Eastbank Esplanade, had set the city's online forums and coffee shop conversations abuzz with speculation. Everyone, it seemed, had an opinion, a theory, or at least a good old-fashioned guess.

To settle the debate, or at least to quantify the collective curiosity, OregonLive ran a poll. And boy, did you all weigh in! The results were quite decisive, actually. Overwhelmingly, the popular vote pointed to a familiar, if sometimes maligned, river resident: the nutria. It’s easy to see why; nutrias are a common sight, after all, and they do tend to pop up in unexpected places.

But here's the funny thing, isn't it? Despite the widespread conviction, our mystery swimmer, it turns out, was definitively not a nutria. Not even close, really! So, let's set the record straight for a moment. Nutrias, while certainly present in our waterways, have some very distinct features. Think round, rat-like tails, for starters. And those rather iconic bright orange chompers? Definitely a nutria giveaway. Plus, their ears are often quite small, almost hidden. The creature in question, well, it just didn't fit that particular bill.

So, if not a nutria, then what was it? The most likely culprit, after careful observation and some input from those who know our wildlife best, was a beaver. Ah, the beaver! Our state animal, a true icon of industry and engineering. Beavers have that unmistakable, broad, flat, paddle-like tail – a stark contrast to a nutria's skinny, round one. They're typically larger, too, with more robust heads and smaller, but visible, ears. It’s a pretty clear distinction once you know what to look for, but in a fleeting glimpse, amidst the splashes and reflections of the river, it’s understandable how one might get confused.

Now, while a beaver seems the strongest candidate here, there's always a slight possibility of an otter in these kinds of scenarios. Otters are sleek, playful, and have long, tapered tails. They're incredibly graceful swimmers. But for this particular sighting, the evidence, especially concerning the tail shape described, really nudged the needle firmly towards 'beaver.'

It’s a wonderful reminder, though, of the rich tapestry of life thriving right here in our urban environment. Our rivers and green spaces are bustling with all sorts of creatures, often going about their business unnoticed. Next time you're strolling along the Willamette, perhaps on the Eastbank Esplanade, keep your eyes peeled. You might just spot a local legend, or a new mystery in the making. And who knows, armed with a little knowledge about tails and teeth, you might even be the one to solve it!