Alligators, puffins, and turtles also fall under the same category. Centuries ago, the Vatican expanded the definition of “fish” to include critters like beavers, muskrats, and capybaras, allowing their consumption during the Lenten season.
During the 17th century, the Bishop of Quebec asked if beaver meat could be consumed on Fridays during Lent, given that eating meat is traditionally prohibited for Catholics during this time. Since beavers are good swimmers, the Church decided that they were fish and could be eaten.
