Coexisting with Beavers
Common reasons given for keeping
beaver populations at a fraction of an
area’s possible number are that their dams
flood roads and properties, and they cut down desirable trees. But challenges
can be met with a creativity that benefits
the beaver, the environment, and human
communities. For instance, modern
water level control devices are highly
effective, and can be installed for an
economical and environmentally sound,
lasting solution (Brown et al. 2001; www.
BeaversWW.org). In addition, a variety of
methods are available to protect special
trees since beavers rarely engage in clearcutting.
Individual trees, or stands, can be
guarded with sturdy fencing for long-term
solutions.
At lakeside sites, beavers may use a
dock as a roof, and/or dig into Styrofoam
flotation material for a cozy den. Using
galvanized wire fencing to exclude
beavers from beneath docks, and/or
wrap flotation blocks, provides lasting
solutions. Such fencing can also be staked
along the water line at earthen dikes to
discourage burrowing.
Education about these goodsized,
but amicable animals, and their
natural methods of population control,
including territorial behavior, is essential.
Exaggerations about population sizes
are common. Most people are unaware
that one colony (family) often builds
several lodges, and routinely guards a
large territory from strange beavers. Like
humans, their footprint can be large even
when their numbers are small. Several
environmental groups, including the
Grand Canyon Trust, Wildlife 2000,
and The Lands Council, are involved
in restoring beavers to suitable habitats
in the West and improving how people
perceive beavers through education.