It would seem that the big toothed rodents are causing some havoc in rural parts of BC. The Globe and Mail reports that residents are getting fed up. The province may be looking to trappers to help the situation. Good for them.
People get their acreage and look outside, and when they see a beaver they think they’ve been blessed. ‘It’s heaven,’ they say. ‘We have our own beaver!’
Shortly after that, their lawn gets soggy and even their dogs can’t walk across it without sinking in. Their specimen trees turn out to be trunks without barks,” Mr. Jenkins said yesterday. “It doesn’t take very long before they realize that this isn’t a heavenly visit, but something from the other side
Read the article. Form your own opinion. Here is mine.
I noticed right away in the article the comments from various visitors to the website. They were concerned about how “draconian” trapping was. Some visitors feel , “that the beaver should live.”.
So do I. But the draconian part of this whole issue is urban sprawl. The beaver is losing territory to city expansions (although this is not the only reason) and they are being forced to rural areas and those residents are left to deal with the ‘cute’ long toothed beasties. I imagine these comments are from people who are not close to the situation. Much like the crew who do not understand the situation with our Black Bear problem up here.
Trapping is ethical and effective. People who have mice and rats call exterminators or purchase traps to protect their homes and property. Why should it be any different for these beavers. There are guidelines that the trappers will follow so that we will be able to enjoy beaver sightings for years to come.
Just my opinion.
Bill Anderson
Muskoka Outdoors
