Mystic, Conn. Beavers to be Humanely 'Baffled' by The HSUS and Groton Parks Department

Published on May 7, 2008 - 7:37:56 AM

By: The Humane Society of the United States

May 6, 2008 -- Pequot Woods Park beavers will be saved now that the Groton Parks and Recreation Department and The HSUS plan to install an innovative beaver-baffling pipe device in a dam on Sandy Hollow Road on May 7 at 10:30 a.m.

The Groton Parks and Recreation Department was concerned when water impounded by the beaver dam at Pequot Woods began flooding a prominent hiking trail. Initially, there was talk of trapping and killing the beavers, but after much public outcry, the parks department will now work with The HSUS to save the beavers and solve the problem.

According to Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for The HSUS, "Beaver-caused flooding is a very solvable problem."

On May 7, The HSUS will insert a unique "Beaver Impeder" device through the beaver dam to alleviate the threat of flooding. "The beauty of this piping system is that it foils the beavers' natural response to plug any area where they hear or feel the sound of running water," explains Simon. "Water enters the pipes from underneath, which is virtually unnoticeable to the beavers."

This is a simple and inexpensive device that outwits the beavers, stops the flooding, and helps people and beavers to co-exist. "Trapping and killing beavers doesn't work to resolve conflicts, because new beavers soon move into any vacant habitat," Simon added.

The HSUS Wild Neighbors Program promotes non-lethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns. The program's book, Wild Neighbors: The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife (December 2007, Humane Society Press) is a useful reference for individuals and communities faced with resolving encounters with wild animals who find their way into yards, gardens, houses, parks and playgrounds.

On the web at humanesociety.org/wildneighbors.

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