Lethal control of beavers
Lethal control of beavers can be considered as a last resort measure in case of negative impacts due to burrowing, damming, or foraging, such as a lodge or burrow in an unwanted location, gnawed vegetation or hydraulic structures, or water level changes due to dam building. Permits and procedures may be required and additional measures are necessary to prevent repetition.
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If a severe conflict cannot be resolved by any other means, lethal control of beavers could be considered as a last resort. However, a formal escalation procedure may be required before such measures are allowed, as beavers are legally protected and killing them is prohibited across much of their range. Only when other less radical measures are unfeasible or the financial costs are disproportionally high, then the culling of beavers could be considered. A national authority will be empowered to declare and check that required conditions are met and may grant permission for lethal control. Find more information on legislation here.
Repetition
When using lethal control measures, it should be taken into account that sooner or later, beavers will again settle in the area. If no other measures are taken, the situation will repeat itself.
Methods
If lethal control is taken, it may be decided to first capture the animals using live traps and then euthanize them with a firearm. It is discouraged to transport captured beavers to a veterinarian, as this only increases stress for the animals. The permitted methods for euthanizing beavers are determined by local authorities. Find information for national websites here.
Please be aware that each country will have their own regulations and policies for lethal control of beavers. Please check with your country's or local authorities for more information.