Municipal Beaver Trapping

The main goals of our beaver campaign are to:

a) encourage local municipalities to replace cruel wildlife trapping with safe alternatives
b) encourage city councils to pass legislation to prohibit the leg-hold, Conibear and snare trap
c) raise awareness of the benefits of beavers in our ecosystem

Why are beavers trapped?

Scientists believe that beavers create dams as protection against predators. Occasionally, these dams can block water flow and contribute to the flooding of roads, septic systems, homes, farms or other developments.

As a way of preventing possible flooding associated with beaver dams, many municipalities simply hire trappers to kill beavers. And while lethal trapping may seem effective, it is only a short-term solution.
More beavers will soon return to the area to fill the open niche.

Wildlife traps are dangerous

Not only do traps kill beavers, traps also pose a threat to other wildlife and our companion animals. Each year, we receive numerous calls about dogs who are trapped and killed in Conibear traps. Area residents and even city councilors are often unaware of the inherent safety risks of having dangerous traps in urban areas.

Why should we co-exist with beavers?

Beavers provide many benefits for our communities. They can improve water quality, protect us from drought and help decrease soil erosion. Beaver habitat also restores and supports biodiversity and creates vital wetland habitat for a wealth of animal and plant species.

What are alternatives to lethal beaver trapping?

To co-exist with beavers, several proven non-lethal and cost-effective devices are available such as the: Beaver Deceiver®, (developed by Skip Lisle), Beaver Stop® and the Flexible Pond Leveller® (developed by Mike Callahan). In addition to these devices, simple measures such as tree wrapping and fencing have also proven to be effective.



Beaver solutions at work

New water controls spare beavers in Cornwall, Ontario
Residents and beavers happy with fix, Sechelt, BC
We're eager to protect beavers, Mission BC


Photos above show various models of flow devices (left to right): "Caster Mastor", "Beaver Deceiver" and "Double Filter System". Models created by Sherri Tippie.

For more information about alternatives, email Director of Communications, Adrian Nelson at:
adrian@furbearerdefenders.com

Learn More:
Summary of available non-lethal trapping alternatives (PDF)

Source(s):
Michael Callahan, Beaver Solutions website 2010-2012
The Beaver Manifesto, Dr. Gylnnis A. Hood, Author, University of Alberta
Heidi Perryman, Ph.D., Martinez Beavers