Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Tuesday, August 26
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»State Government»Giant beaver becomes Minnesota’s official state fossil
    State Government

    Giant beaver becomes Minnesota’s official state fossil

    Stuart SudakBy Stuart SudakMay 30, 2025Updated:May 30, 20252 Mins Read
    A mounted juvenile giant beaver (Castoroides ohioensis) skeleton from St. Paul is on display in the Science Museum of Minnesota.
    A mounted juvenile giant beaver (Castoroides ohioensis) skeleton from St. Paul is on display in the Science Museum of Minnesota. Photo courtesy of the Science Museum of Minnesota

    The giant beaver is now Minnesota’s official state fossil.

    Gov. Tim Walz signed the designation into law on May 23 as part of SF 3045, the State and Local Government omnibus bill. The provision marks the end of a years-long effort that began with an eighth-grade science assignment at Central Middle School in Eden Prairie.

    State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-49, Eden Prairie), a former teacher at Eden Prairie High School, carried the idea forward after students brought it to his attention around the time he was first elected.

    The fossil, Castoroides ohioensis, was chosen through a Science Museum of Minnesota-led campaign involving over 11,000 Minnesotans and dozens of schools. A massive Ice Age rodent, the extinct beaver could grow up to seven feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    Bill Prem, an Eden Prairie middle school science teacher, recalled that it started with a student asking if Minnesota had a state fossil. “We did some quick research and found out that we did not,” he said. That question eventually led to a classroom-wide research and advocacy project.

    Students polled experts and invited the public to vote on finalists. Their top pick — the giant beaver — became the leading candidate, later championed by both the Science Museum and the Bell Museum.

    In a statement made prior to the bill’s signing, Bell Museum Executive Director Holly Menninger said the fossil is one of the most popular exhibits among visitors. “We’re thrilled that Minnesota now has an official state fossil,” she wrote, anticipating the bill’s final approval. “This recognition celebrates our incredible natural history and the civic spirit that brought it to light.”

    The law’s passage makes Minnesota the latest of more than 40 states to adopt an official fossil.

    Advertisement
    Ad for The Goddard School - Goddard is where Extraordinary Awaits
    A life-size model of the giant beaver (Castoroides ohioensis) is featured in a diorama at the Bell Museum in St. Paul.
    A life-size model of the giant beaver (Castoroides ohioensis) is featured in a diorama at the Bell Museum in St. Paul. Photo courtesy of the Bell Museum

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleEden Prairie woman charged in Feeding Our Future fraud after airport arrest
    Next Article Optimist Kids 5K returns June 28 to support youth programs

    More to READ

    8 Mins Read

    How Minnesota led the way on smoking restrictions – and what that says about the state today

    August 20, 2025
    8 Mins Read

    To combat gun violence, Minnesota law enforcement turns to ‘red flag’ law

    August 19, 2025
    7 Mins Read

    What Minnesota’s new data law means for how your personal information is used

    August 7, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Alexander ‘Alex’ Michael Petersen

    August 25, 2025

    Eden Prairie girls golf program welcomes new head coach

    August 25, 2025

    Two EPHS students participate in summer business camp

    August 25, 2025

    Eagles keeping busy in preparation for upcoming season

    August 25, 2025

    Eden Prairie soccer falls 2-1 in tight battle with Shakopee

    August 24, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Threads
    INN Network Member Guidestar Gold Seal Tiny News Collective
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.