How To Trap A Beaver

If you are living in an area that is close to a stream or river, then one of the first signs that you may encounter that a beaver has moved into the area will be a rise in the water levels and often some flooding in and around the stream. The reason for this is that the beaver will naturally look to adapt its surroundings to suit its personal preferences, and beavers feel safer and more protected from potential predators when they have a deeper pool of water to escape into. There are several ways in which you can try to deal with this type of pest animal, and trapping is one of the most common ways to deal with the problem.

Different Types Of Traps Available

You will find that retailers online will usually carry a range of different traps that can deal with a beaver, although as this is the largest rodent in North America, it is important that you buy a trap that is large and strong enough to deal with and contain a beaver. When it comes to live trapping options, sturdy cage traps are often used, while a briefcase trap is another way to catch a beaver. There are also lethal traps available, and these will include snares and body grip traps that are designed to be able to kill the beaver.

Locating A Beaver Trap

When it comes to finding the right spot for a beaver trap, most people will look around the shores where the beavers are active, and signs of wood being dragged across the shore, or paw prints can be signs of beaver activity in the area. Beavers can be quite cautious, so try to ensure that the floor of the trap is marginally under the surface, as this will make the beaver more likely to move into the trap, while it should also be in a location that is easy to monitor.

Can You Bait The Beaver Trap?

Because beavers have a natural diet that is made up of trees and bark, you will find the bait for beavers is quite different from that used to attract other animals. The castor that is produced by beavers to keep their coat waterproof can sometimes be used, but it is more common to use twigs and branches that have been soaked in poplar oil or a similar woody scent can be effective. In some cases, people have reported that chopped apples can also be used.

Relocating A Beaver

If you are using a live trapping approach, then it is important that you monitor the traps regularly in order to be able to deal with the beaver promptly once it has been caught. Both cage traps and briefcase traps should have handles to help you carry it, but you should still be cautious and wear gloves while you are moving the trap. When you are relocating the beaver, choose a location that is at least ten miles away from your property, but close to another river or stream where the animal won’t be a nuisance.

Lethal Beaver Traps

When it comes to using lethal traps such as snares or body grip traps, you should still monitor the traps regularly to make sure that they have been effective. You should also be cautious when approaching a trap that appears to have been successful, as they will not always kill the beaver quickly, and you do not want to be attacked or bitten by an angry and injured beaver. Make sure you remove the carcass promptly to prevent it from attracting other pest animals, and you can then either incinerate it or double bag it and take it to your local civic amenity site for disposal.