From time to time Zoocheck has stepped in to help prevent the needless destruction of wild beavers by funding the installation of beaver deceivers. The beaver deceivers are low-tech devices that address flooding caused by beaver dams that block the flow of water through culverts and other drainage points.
In the past, beavers were often killed when they constructed dams or impeded water flow at drainage pinch points and caused flooding. And, once they were gone, new beavers moved in and the cycle was repeated, sometimes many times. In many cases beaver deceivers can help maintain water levels that are suitable for both property owners, official road and highway agencies and for the beavers themselves.
You might be asking how does a beaver deceiver work? Beaver deceivers involve installation of a pipe through a beaver dam with a caged inlet to allow water to flow through. The intake end of the pipe can be close to the beaver dam or it can be quite far way and the exact layout may vary a bit according to specific conditions. The cage prevents the beavers from plugging the intake pipe, and it allows water levels to be controlled to prevent flooding, but at a sufficient height that the beavers are able to continue living their lives.
Recently, with the help of a long-time Zoocheck supporter, three beaver deceivers were installed in Georgetown, Massachusetts. Our hope is that the devices help convince the municipality to choose beaver deceivers to deal with problems at other locations and that neighbouring municipalities will follow suit.
Throughout the world, far too many wild creatures are needlessly killed, often in very cruel ways, when often simple solutions are available to deal with any issues that arise from their presence. We hope there will be more beaver deceivers set up in Georgetown and in other municipalities throughout North America.
Photo of beaver deceiver being installed.
