Managing an Unmanageable Builder

This is one of the beavers that lives rent-free on our property. 

It's swimming in the marsh they created by building this dam across our stream. 

It's an impressive structure, at least five or six feet tall. We have windows across the front of our house and can see glimpses of the marsh through the trees. It's tantalizing and captivating. 

Kate walks down to the water's edge daily, I less frequently. We have seen ducks, geese, muskrats, turtles, kingfishers and on two very memorable occasions, a pair of otters. The trees that die due to flooding attract pileated woodpeckers. A strikingly handsome great blue heron is a frequent visitor. 

The habitat beavers create is vital, and there is also benefit in the form of sediment control. However, it is a mixed blessing. They have damaged and/or felled scores of trees on our property. This white oak is not the largest tree they've cut. 

For us and other woodland owners, trees are part of our savings account, so there's a real cost. Years ago, they created a marsh in one of the far corners of our property and the damage became so severe that we elected to have them trapped by a USDA specialist. Trapping, by the way, is a vital skill and art that is sadly on the decline. 

So far we've chosen not to do any trapping on the current population. In fact even if I was certain it was a good idea, I'd have a hard time convincing Kate. She thinks they're cute. I don't completely disagree. 

The problem is that they make their own decisions about where to build dams and which trees to cut. I have been working to remove the start of a dam on another portion of the stream. Here's a very small subset of the twigs and limbs I've removed. 

The new spot they picked is one of the most scenic areas of our stream, so I drew the line there. It's been fascinating to dig in and see how it's constructed from the bottom up. Their technique of packing mud and leaves and pine needles and twigs and sticks is astonishingly effective. I may still lose the battle as they are very persistent.

In fact, the friendly and helpful wildlife biologist I spoke with at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission implied that she would bet on the beaver. By the way, I suspect "wildlife biologist" is a career that only rarely leads to massive riches. Thus, those who choose that path are likely quite passionate about their work and fun to talk to. You too can speak with one regarding all kinds of wildlife issues, whether you live on a large farm or a small lot in the city. Just be prepared for the answer you didn't want. 

Of course, nothing is permanent except change, and one day a big storm will wash away their hard work. And they will start again in another spot.

In the end, 20 years of observing and admiring these creatures on our property has been a fascinating blessing, and I hope to have the good fortune of being intrigued by their antics for decades more.