Water depth reduction

Lowering the water depth can be an option to prevent beavers from burrowing in an area. This measure is only suitable in a closed system and may require a permit. When implementing this measure, consider creating an alternative lodge location.

Alternative lodge location
Beaver in water - Robert Willems

© R. Willems

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In some cases, reducing water depth in an area may help prevent damage by making it unsuitable as beaver habitat. This involves:

  • lowering the water level as much as possible; 
  • or raising the bottom of a watercourse.

 

This method is suitable in more closed systems, such as some railway embankments.  It cannot be used in a flowing water system, as beavers may respond to the reduced water depth by building dams to restore the original depth. They can also deepen the watercourse over a long stretch by depositing mud from the bottom onto the banks. This behaviour has been observed in agricultural ditches in eastern Germany. 

 

Permit

Applying this method may require a permit as beavers are a protected species across much of their range. Additionally, other protected plant and animal species that live in and around the watercourse can be negatively influenced.  Find more information on legislation here.