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Beavers chew down power pole, knock out power to Canadian town

By Ray Downs
Beavers have been known to chew down power poles in Saskatchewan, including this pole, which fell in May. Photo by SaskPower
Beavers have been known to chew down power poles in Saskatchewan, including this pole, which fell in May. Photo by SaskPower

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Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Beavers chewed on a power pole, leading to a blackout that affected thousands in a Canadian town over the weekend.

The city of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, went dark after the beavers chewed at the base of the utility pole. The chewing weakened the base and strong winds knocked the pole over, causing the town to go dark.

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"This was one of our larger wooden power poles and there was ample evidence of beaver damage at the base of it, so beavers had been chewing away at it," SaskPower spokesperson Jonathan Tremblay told the CBC. "It was a bit of a domino effect."

More than 3,500 people were affected by the power outage, reported the Prince Albert Daily Herald.

In May, beavers were to blame for a power outage in Saskatchewan that occurred during a wedding. The festivities went on, despite the lack of light.

"We think it was a blessing," the bride told CTV. "A Canadian beaver blessed our wedding, so it makes it extra special."

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