Photographer/artist Hans G. Wetzel creates various mixed media artworks utilizing the pattern, shape and texture of a beaver's tail from photographs of beavers he has taken. He calls this art Beaver Tail Art ™. His work has been referred to, as unique and beautiful, with a reptilian like look.

As a child he had always been intrigued with the beaver and its tail. While camping and cottaging with his family he couldn't help but hear the loud noise of the beaver's tail slapping the water whenever one was startled. Each beaver's tail is as unique as our own fingerprints.

More recently as he honed his photographic skills, he tried to photograph beavers in various settings both in the water and on land. He quickly learned the beaver's tail is very useful to the beaver on dry land as well. While trying to photograph a beaver walking, it made a loud grunt and, using its powerful tail, it took a lunge at him. Surprisingly the beaver was able to propel itself several feet through the air coming close to the unwary photographer. Luckily he stepped back in time and the beaver missed sinking those big buck teeth into Mr. Wetzel.

Today many beavers are trapped as a nuisance animal since they can cause considerable flooding with their dams, and numerous roads have been washed out when their dams have broken. Also they can cut down a number of trees in pursuit of food and building materials, destroying the natural beauty of an area. The beaver's hide is made into fur products and many beaver tails are made into unique leather wallets. A native can remember having a beaver tail fly swatter in her grandfather's home as a child.
He welcomes commissions utilizing his Beaver Tail Art ™.