First snow marks Beaver Moon

The 2023 Beaver Moon coincided with the first snow. This full moon is the last one before the winter solstice.

The Farmers' Almanac states the name is derived from the time of year when beavers retire to their dens for the winter. Also, November used to be the beginning of the beaver trapping season. The coat of the beaver was in prime condition at this time in early U.S. history. Native American cultures had many names for this moon. The Tlingit call it the Digging Moon, in reference to animals foraging for food and bears digging their dens in the winter. The Dakota and Lakota named it the Deer Rutting Moon because it coincides with mating season for deer. The Algonquin refer to it as the Whitefish Moon because of the fish's spawning time. In the European pagan tradition, it was called the Mourning Moon. It was time to let go of past troubles and grief and look forward to a new year.