Capture and translocation of beavers

The capture and translocation of beavers can be a measure when burrowing, damming, or foraging have a negative impact, such as when a lodge or burrow is in an unwanted location, vegetation or hydraulic structures are gnawed on, or water levels change due to dam building. This is a short-term solution, most likely requires permits and procedures, and needs additional measures to prevent repetition.

Beaver close up - Willy de Koning

© W. de Koning

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Capturing and translocating beavers could be an effective short-term solution in certain situations. As beavers are legally protected across much of their range, permits may be required for this measure. Find more information on legislation here.

Temporary relocation

As a temporary solution, beavers could be captured and translocated temporarily. In this case, individual beavers should be kept in a suitable place until all family members are captured. Once the family is complete, the family can be released in suitable habitat where no other beavers have settled yet. However, the number of land owners prepared to welcome a beaver family may be low. This is partly due to land owners being concerned about potential consequences and responsibilities, and locally due to an increasing number of areas where beavers have already settled. Approaching nature conservation organisations may offer the best chances of success. 

Shock wire and trap - R Voesten
Figure 1: Beaver habitat enclosed with shock wire, where beavers are captured using a trap cage. © R. Voesten

Releasing beavers in a river

In some cases, beavers are captured and released in a different river. For one or a few individuals this could be a suitable solution, as rivers are already natural distribution routes for beavers. However, for more than a few beavers, the release in a different river might be undesirable, as this could cause a significant disturbance for beavers with a territory in the outer floodplains of these rivers. 

Strong connection to their territory

Translocating beavers to an alternative location at a relatively short distance is most often a waste of time. Beavers have a strong connection to their territory and will swim tens of kilometres back to their original location. When choosing to translocate beavers, it is recommended to relocate them to a different water system and to ensure no other beavers are present. Beavers are highly territorial and can fight to protect their territory.

Repetition

Capturing and translocating beavers is only a short term solution. In the long term, additional measures should be taken, as sooner or later, other beavers will settle in the empty territory. Ultimately, the area should be analysed on how to create a more sustainable solution to the conflict.