Beavers are large, amphibious rodents, which live in monogamous, single family units. They work tirelessly, as a team, following their instinct to create ponds, a safer & more comfortable habitat for them. They drag any nearby vegetation, which may include trees, limbs, twigs & crops, to the spot in a stream where it’s easiest to slow the flow of water with a dam.
This is not all bad for landowners, especially those who want to attract wetland waterfowl & improve water quality. But it can also create very large problems for farmers, in how their dams affect waterways, stopping up ditches & drain pipes, causing fields to flood. When beavers become a nuisance, humanely trapping is the most effective means of damage prevention & control. You’ll need some knowledge of the beaver’s habits though.
Beaver season runs from mid-November through March, due to the pelts being at their peak. In the 18th & 19th centuries, their fur was in such high demand that they were almost trapped to extinction. Since then, beaver population has definitely been on the rebound & their numbers have replenished. Finding a balance between potential conservation benefits & farming interests is definitely key.
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