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Photo courtesy of
Bob Arnebeck's Web Page on Beavers
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Beavers - Positive Effects
Beavers are highly valuable animals that have always been of use to humans and the environment. Their ability to create wetlands, which are considered one of the most precious land-based ecosystems, is unique. Native Americans and settlers harvested enormous amounts of Beaver pelts to use for clothing, the perfume industry, and other aims. In fact, many Northern areas of the United States and Canada were explored due to high demand in Beaver pelts. Trapping resulted in thousands of animals killed annually for fur. The 17th century through the 19th century, humans made a wide use of the Beaver, which led to drastic consequences. Excessive trapping has almost annihilated the species and aroused concern only when the numbers of Beavers diminished incredibly. Reintroduction of the Beaver began in the 20th century and turned out to be rather successful. The population of Beavers in most areas has increased.
Beavers - Negative Effects
Nowadays, humans are aware of the great importance the Beaver plays in the ecosystem. Its benefits to wildlife and humankind are evident. Yet, there is much concern over continuously growing Beaver population and the damage the species causes to humans. Flooding, fields' damage, and even house damage are all negative effects of Beaver activities. Indeed, officials state they have to spend millions of dollars annually to restore sites harmed by these rodents. Therefore, many states have to regulate Beaver population and make sure the current number of animals found in a specific area will not destroy infrastructure but, on the contrary, will contribute to habitat improvement. Beavers - Management Means
Humans have invented a number of ways to control the Beaver population. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages and has to be used very carefully. Fencing is considered one of the most effective means of Beaver management. Landowners are advised to arrange a wire fence around a tree. Fences may be either electric or non-electric. Both will be a safe guard against chisel-like Beaver incisors. The disadvantage of this means is its cost. It takes both money and time to create such a device and therefore, is not always affordable.
Repellents are also used to keep Beavers from protected areas. These are either commercial products that are approved for using on agricultural crops or self-made substances. No matter what the origin of these repellents is, they have to be applied constantly since rain and other fluids wash them away. In fact, some people claim that repellents are ineffective since the result is temporary.
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Photo courtesy of
Bob Arnebeck's Web Page on Beavers
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The same can be said about trapping. In this case, Beavers consider an area suitable for their needs; they will most likely stay there for years to come. Though trapping can eliminate some animals, there will always be others that will come to replace them in this area. Hence, the only way to diminish the population of Beavers in such an area is for landowners to employ other effective means, or try to alter the habitat, which Beavers will find inappropriate. Somehow or other, trapping is widely used nowadays and has brought fruitful results. Nevertheless, trapping as well as another means of controlling species population should be approached seriously taking into consideration the importance of Beavers for ecosystems.
Beavers - Management Links
Beaver Flooding Control Booklet - Learn about using pipes and other devices to control Beaver flooding.
Beaver in Alabama - Description, lifestyle, population and distribution in Alabama, beneficial and harmful aspects, and more.
Beaver Management and Control in Georgia - This booklet is intended to provide general information on Beavers in Georgia and to assist individuals or landowners experiencing Beaver damage problems.
Beaver Management in North Carolina - Contains information on the species, impact, Beaver pond management, prevention and control of Beaver damage, Beaver control regulations, processing Beaver fur, and more.
Beaver Management Plan - Learn more about the Beaver and the damage caused by its activity.
Beaver Pond Management - This publication reviews benefits of Bavers and methods to manage and enhance Beaver ponds.
Beavers and Their Control - Life history and habits, state Beaver management policy, Beaver control techniques, Beaver pipe construction, and other information.
Canadian Wildlife Service - Extensive information on Beaver distribution, habits, diet, engineering works, life history, and management.
Damage Prevention and Control Methods - PDF file with information on the species identification, habits, and management.
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Photo courtesy of
The Scottish Beavers Network
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Forest Health Care - The ways to control Beaver population and damage. PDF file.
Influence of Beaver On Nitrogen Cycling In a Desert Stream - Investigation on how decreases in hydraulic velocity associated with Beaver ponds alters nitrogen retention within a desert stream.
Information for Residents Living with Beavers - Information includes Beaver overview, control, Beavers and humans, and tips on protecting your trees and property.
Integrated Pest Management - Urban Integrated Pest Management offers information on controlling Beaver populations.
Management & Control in South Carolina - Contains information on the Beaver, its impact, and means of controlling its populations.
Managing Wildlife Damage - Article contains information on Beaver biology and behavior, economic status ad importance, control techniques and tolerance, preventive measures and controls.
Preventing Roadway Damage - Guidelines for controlling Beavers and preventing roadway damage include information on the damage done by Beavers and the importance of population control.
Wildlife - Description of the species, habitat and habits, and information on management.
Wildlife Damage Management - The page highlights such topics as the legal status of the Beaver, protecting landscapes and crops, preventing flooding of roads and protecting pond drains, controlling local populations, and more.
Wildlife Species: Castor Canadensis - Wildlife distribution and occurrence, timing of major life history events, preferred habitat, cover requirements, food habits, information on predators, and management considerations.
