Category: Wildlife

Reacting to news from Scottish Natural Heritage that two beavers trapped near Beauly have died in captivity, Trees for Life Chief Executive Steve Micklewright said, “We are deeply saddened that the Beauly family of beavers has now been split up and two of them have died in captivity.” 

Steve added, “Beavers have been in the area for 5-8 years with no local concerns or controversy. Many people had no idea they were there.”

Beavers have recently been recognised by the Scottish government as a native species.  Steve added, “Native species require protection. The government should have explored all other options before trapping and removing this beaver family.”

Trees for Life recently wrote to Roseanna Cunningham, Environment Minister about the possible welfare risks of trapping beavers at the outset of winter and questioned the wisdom of splitting up a family of beavers with young kits at this time of year, but received no reply.  Steve said, “While the cause of death of the beavers is being investigated, they are likely to have been in good body condition because they were in good quality habitat with plenty of food available.”

Trees for Life has been discussing the presence of beavers around Beauly with landowners and other local people for some time.  Steve said, “While not everyone welcomes beavers, we think there is potential for beavers and people to continue to coexist in the Beauly area without controversy and conflict.”

Trees for Life is organising a beaver information day at the Lovat Arms, Main Street, Beauly on Wednesday 25^th October between 11am-5pm. Steve said, “Local people are welcome to stop by for a chat about beavers, find out what they do, the problems they can cause and the benefits they can bring.”

Video footage of the beauly beavers before trapping began: