living with beaver |
RESOURCES
for living with beaver.
Beaver are unique animals in that they alter their environment to create and maintain their ideal habitat. They do this by cutting down trees and creating dams and ponds. The ponds and habitat they create provide many ecological benefits, but they can also be a nuisance to landowners and property managers by damaging trees and flooding property and roads. There are many methods of preventing and reducing damage caused by beaver to allow beaver to remain in the area and benefiting the ecosystem.
LINKS & INFO
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RESOURCES
for reducing damage to trees.
Beaver in Utah seem to prefer the following tree species, although they are opportunistic and will cut down other trees based on availability:
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Beaver cut down trees with their large (and continuously growing) front teeth. They use these trees both to build their dams and lodges, and to eat the inner layer of bark called the cambium. This chewing habit can get them into trouble on private and managed lands and where trees may have ornamental value. However there are several ways to prevent and reduce damage to trees to coexist with beaver. Two very effective ways are to fence trees or to paint the trunks with a sand/paint mixture.
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fencing trees.
Individual trees can be protected from beaver damage by wrapping with wire cages. Wire fencing, multiple layers of chicken wire, or even metal flashing can be used to prevent beaver from chewing on the tree trunks. Wrap the fencing loosely to allow the tree to grow and inspect often. The fencing needs to be at least 4 feet tall; and in snowy climates, 4 feet from the snowline. To protect a grove of trees, it is possible to encircle the group of trees with wire fencing instead of wrapping trees individually. For more detailed information and videos on fencing trees to avoid beaver damage, check out the Beaver Institute’s Tree Protection page.
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painting trees with sand/paint mixture.
Beaver will avoid chewing on trees that are painted with a gritty sand/paint mixture. This method is effective for areas where you want to maintain a natural look, since it is often difficult to see that the trees have even been painted.
The Beaver Institute suggests mixing a latex exterior paint with fine sand/Mason sand to the ratios listed below depending your your quantity of paint:
Keep in mind that beaver will eventually move up or down the watershed as they deplete their food supply and dams breach or wash out. The beaver pond is a dynamic ecosystem-constantly in flux. |
RESOURCES
for reducing damage by flooding
Beaver Deceivers
Pond Levelers
Protective Fencing for Culverts
Pond Levelers
Protective Fencing for Culverts
beaver facts
FAQS
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FACT SHEETS & GUIDES
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