Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new species of ancient beaver in their fossil collections and named it “ Anchitheriomys buceei ” after the popular Texas travel center chain, Buc-ee’s.

A new species of ancient beaver that was rediscovered by researchers in The University of Texas at Austin’s fossil collections has been named after Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based chain of popular travel centers known for its cartoon beaver mascot. The beaver is called Anchitheriomys buceei, or “ A. buceei ” for short.

A new species of ancient beaver that was rediscovered by researchers in The University of Texas at Austin's fossil collections has been named after Buc-ee's, a Texas-based chain of popular travel centers known for its cartoon beaver mascot. The beaver is called Anchitheriomys buceei, or "A. buceei" for short.

The ancient beaver, called Anchitheriomys buceei or "A. buceei" for short, lived in Texas around 15 million years ago and was approximately 30% larger than modern beavers. The name was inspired by a Buc-ee's billboard that research associate Steve May saw while driving, which read "This is Beaver Country."