A recent social media campaign about beavers has caught my attention. At the very least, it raises some questions about common access to wild space in our community.
A statement from the organizers follows:
We are trying to help our neighbors find a way to live with the beaver family in our pond and not destroy them. Recently, we found out that one of our neighbors got the OK to allow a trapper without the knowledge of the other land owners.
Currently, there are only four properties that border the pond … the other 1/3 is wooded undeveloped area, and one of the 4 properties is a vacant lot. The pond is not owned by any of the properties. Flooding has not been a problem as all of the properties are large enough. The reason the trapper was hired is because of the damage to the trees. We have gone to the property owners to give them information about how to protect their trees (fencing works best). We learned that the trapper was licensed for up to 10 beaver and trapped one last fall. The issue is that even if one is trapped, more will come in it’s place, resulting in an endless cycle of killing. The traps will trap the animal under water which is inhumane as beaver can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes which then creates 15 minutes of fear before drowning to death.
The pond has become better since the beaver arrived allowing for cleaner water and more of a wildlife habitat. It is now home not to just the beaver, but a duck and goose family as well. My children have enjoyed watching the beaver at work and have gained quiet an educational experience as well.
Please help advocate for our cause and help us to find a better solution to this issue. Duluth is a very green city and we pride ourselves on it. It would be a shame to tarnish our reputation with senseless destruction of nature.
