Support Federal Funding for Beaver Coexistence
Dear John,
Once trapped to near extinction for their fur, beavers have recolonized streams throughout the country. They fell trees for food and building materials, and construct dams to create ponds that offer protection from predators and serve as pantries to store food. Beaver-created ponds and wetlands also help replenish groundwater, serve as buffers against wildfires, and provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
Unfortunately, beaver activity can damage property. As a result, thousands of beavers are trapped, snared, and shot each year across the country, despite the availability of nonlethal devices that can successfully prevent damage while allowing beavers to thrive.
These methods are effective, cost-efficient, long-lasting, and ecologically beneficial. If federal grant funding were made available, it could help cover the costs of installing and maintaining nonlethal systems in urban and rural areas experiencing beaver conflicts--helping to not only protect property, but also save taxpayers and landowners from costly repairs.