The main goals of our beaver campaign are to:
a) encourage local municipalities to replace cruel trapping with non-lethal alternatives
b) encourage city councils to pass legislation to prohibit cruel traps
c) raise awareness of the benefits of beavers in our ecosystem
Summary:
Municipal officials often hire trappers who use horrific body-holding Conibear traps and snares to kill beavers. Pelts are then sold to make fur coats or trim for vests, scarves, hats etc.
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.
Beaver trapping is only a temporary fix because no matter how much trapping is done, attractive habitat and an ongoing food source means new beavers will discover the area and dams will be rebuilt with new material (more trees!)
It’s also expensive to trap year after year, and bring in heavy equipment to remove dams.
Urban risk
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 were trapped and killed in Conibear traps. Area residents and even sometimes City Councilors are often unaware of the inherent safety risks of having dangerous traps in urban areas.
Our communities need beavers
Beavers provide many benefits to our communities. Beavers 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.
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). There are also companies that manufacture a variety of products including the Beavercone.
In addition to these devices, simple measures such as tree wrapping and fencing have also proven to be effective.
For more information about alternatives, email us at
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Learn More About Beaver Trapping Alternatives:
Summary of available non-lethal trapping alternatives (PDF)
What we are doing:
- We are working with local B.C. residents and municipal officials to help determine suitable locations for the installation of non-lethal devices to deter beavers and eliminate trapping.
- The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals also continues to send Beaver Saver packs to municipalities across Canada. These packs include detailed information and videos about trapping alternatives.
- Just recently we finished installing a Beaver Deceiver® in Langley Township (located in B.C.) to help mitigate flooding concerns and protect a family of beavers.
