I would say that the beaver summit keeps looking better and better, but you probably would think I’m exaggerating anyway. I’m getting excited for the way it is unfurling though and I’m pretty happy with the team of beaver champions putting it together. Fingers crossed the website and logo will launch this Sunday. But here’s a preview.
And now there’s time for my favorite kind of story from Canada. This from the town of Aurora which is just across the water from New York.
Town suspends beaver trapping following public outcry
The Town of Aurora has suspended the trapping of beavers at stormwater management ponds following a public outcry.
According to Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager of Corporate Communications for the Town of Aurora, the Town has suspended trapping activity pending consultation with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources about “best practices and alternative methods for beaver management.”
“Our preference is always to have peaceful co-existence with local wildlife, and we are hopeful that we can find a way to protect residents from flooding and enhance our handling of wildlife at the same time.”
Yes I’d prefer that too. Remember the homebase of Fur-bearer Defenders is right there in Toronto so I’m pretty sure the city has faced this kind of opposition before.
“I have heard from numerous nature walkers that the Town is setting wildlife traps in ponds to kill beavers,” she said. “These lethal traps are hidden in the water at the end of wildlife trails. Check out reports from dog owners across the country whose pets suffered broken muzzles and leg amputations after stepping on a concealed trap in the water.
“There is no law that requires public posting of the location of these cruel traps, but we expect Town policy of transparency. Let us know the location of these traps and why they are necessary. Aurorans take pride in the natural trails and forests. Killing wildlife should be the last resort.”
Apparently they got the full social media treatment and came with their talking points ready.
“We have a healthy beaver population in our Town, and our preference is always for co-existence, tolerance and prevention,” said Ms. Bennett. “We actually use a number of methods to manage beavers, including wrapping trees with wire, planting species of trees that beavers don’t touch, and removing dams where necessary. That being said, in some cases, and despite our best preventative efforts, beaver activity results in a risk to public safety, or a risk of damage to public infrastructure.”
Ahhh the famous danger to infrastructure. Which might mean a tree falling on a picnic table or a culvert getting plugged. It’s a pretty adaptable defense.
“As such, for this type of situation, we operate a nuisance beaver program that includes trapping – a common practice in municipalities across North America. This is, again, a last resort. Trapping is done with licensed trappers and in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. We work closely with these bodies to make sure that the program is run within regulations.”
The trap in question, she added, was subsequently stolen.
Well, sure.
