Nuisance Beavers
Like all wildlife, beaver have both positive and negative wildlife values. Their unique ability to construct dams and create substantial water impoundments can drastically change the ecology of wooded areas and natural marshes.
Beavers are credited with creating some of the finest waterfowl habitat in the state. Mallards and wood ducks thrive in these areas, and deer may feed on aquatic plants growing along the edges. These same abilities create potential problems for humans, where flooding can damage roads, forests and farmland. In addition beaver will fell ornamental shrubbery, fruit, and shade trees for food when they have been planted near potential beaver habitat.
The following links are designed to be helpful in determining a method of beaver control that will work for each individual situation.
Beaver Damage Prevention
Beaver Damage Prevention and Control Methods
(University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service)
Beavers
(From "Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage" handbook)
Wildlife Damage Management
(North Carolina State University)
Beavers and Their Control
(University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service)
Beaver Damage Control Techniques Manual
(NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation)
Missouri’s Beaver: A Guide to Management, Nuisance Prevention, and Damage Control
(Missouri Department of Conservation)
Managing Nuisance Beaver along Roadsides: A Guide for Highway Departments
(Cornell Cooperative Extension Service)
Guidelines for Controlling Beavers and Preventing Roadside Damage
(TranSafety, Inc.)
Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators Updated 10-23-2007
Avoiding Otter While Trapping Beaver and Raccoon
(Indiana Department of Natural Resources)