Given the proliferation of Washington State Symbols (most recently the Washington State Vegetable), I would like to nominate the Mountain Beaver as the Washington State Rodent. Hey, we have an official Washington State Tartan. How ridiculous and ethno-centric is that? And I'm writing as an American with a healthy percentage of Scot-Irish blood, and as a Washingtonian with pioneer heritage to boot. We need to honor the Mountain Beaver.

Now settle down OlyBloggers. I can hear the protest swelling out there. I know you want to name the Nutria, also known as the Swamp Rat, as the official rodent. But they are an invasive species. The sympathy factor that they have been brought to the Fetid Lake of Doom (formerly known as Capitol Lake) by the Caiman Master in order to feed his reptilian pets doesn't apply.

My main point is this: the Mountain Beaver is a living fossil once plentiful across the continent but now confined to the Pacific Northwest. I also love the fact that when I tell newcomers about them they think I'm talking about a creature that belongs in the realm of cryptozoology. But they are very real. They used to dig tunnels in our front yard at the farm where I grew up. Write to your legislators. Let's do the right thing. Washington needs an official rodent, and, in any subsequent comments, please refrain from nominating local political figures such as (just for an example, far be it from me to make any insinuations here) Gary Locke, Timmy Eyman, any of the Grays Harbor County Commissioners, any fellow OlyBloggers, or other public figures as a way of making a political point.

(My apologies in the Grays Harbor County Commissioners link. It was a cheap shot. The 3 Stooges didn't deserve the insult.)