Human Beaver Coexistence

humans & beavers

Taking a bite out of climate change - one stick at a time

We focus on rehabilitating aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Beavers are a complex species to rehabilitate due to their unique social and housing needs. We have purpose-built an aquatic wildlife facility in Summerland. Here we care for orphaned and injured BC beavers year-round. Orphaned beaver kits beavers get paired up and released into restored wetlands in mating pairs or established groups where natural beaver activities are desired by the land owners. We will raise kits until the age of 2 years old before release. To inquire about orphaned or injured beavers or our “responsible release program” for beavers email our founder: eva@interiorwildlife.ca

Beavers that continue expanding their pond and raising the water level so high that nearby human structures such as roadways get flooded, can be a challenge. That’s where a pipe and cage combination can be installed through the dam: a custom made “pond leveler“. It is designed to keep the water level at a set height. Similar to the overflow drain in your bathtub. A pond leveler hides the leak in the middle of the beaver pond where beavers don’t look for it, while capping the water level at an acceptable maximum height that does not damage human infrastructure.

To protect specific trees from being felled by beavers you can build a cage around the tree with a sturdy frame and wire mesh. Remember: It is critical that the materials be sufficiently strong (no chicken wire!) and follow correct designs to be effective. We can give advice on DYI tree fencing.

Road culvert exclusion fencing can be installed to prevent beavers from plugging up culverts. They have to be customized for each site to work effectively. Ask us how by emailing our founder: eva@interiorwildlife.ca

Beavers build wetland ecosystems –
if they are allowed to do so.
From drought mitigation to wildfire resistance, and water purification to wildlife & fish habitat creation – beavers provide innumerable benefits.
If you want any beaver benefits, you might want to consider living with beavers. Here is some science-based info on the topic: Interior Wildlife’s Educational Beaver Video Playlist

Lethal beaver trapping used to be the traditional method and to resolve beaver conflicts in BC. This is a short-term solution to so called “beaver problems” because new beavers will move into the same area if beaver food & sufficient water habitat are available. Most issues are better controlled with non-lethal methods.

Wherever feasible we recommend the installation of flow devices (pond levellers or culvert protective fences). They are the most long-term and cost-effective solutions to unwanted beaver flooding.

Let us help you find the right beaver solutions for the land you take care of in BC.
This includes advice and guidance about:
– Wetland restoration in North America
–Wetland restoration in BC
-Flood mitigation with pond levelers or culvert protective fencing
– Tree wrapping of single high value trees (e.g. ornamental in parks)
– Other site challenges you may have involving beavers

Email Eva for an estimate to get your site assessed!

Rehabilitation. coexistence. education

Help with "nuisance beavers"

About:

Eva Hartmann is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, registered veterinary technician and beaver wetland specialist. She is currently a trainee in the Beaver Institute’s Beaver Corps program. Eva also studies wetland delineation and assessment at UBCO.
She is looking for a local site to install pond levellers or culvert exclusion fences in order to finish her program, graduate, and actively practice human-beaver coexistence strategies in BC’s Okanagan Valley.

The ideal site:

Is located in or near the Okanagan Valley
Is owned by the property owner needing help
Has active beavers on-site
Has a dammed creek or blocked culvert that is at risk of flooding nearby human structures

The process for Eva will include a site visit, a BC in-stream work permit application, and a one-to-two day assembly and installation of the device(s). The entire project is supervised by beaver wetland experts from the Beaver Institute. Costs to the landowner are significantly less than ongoing lethal control with dam removal or beaver relocation.

More details here !

How to Donate

IWRS is 100% volunteer-run. We are funded solely by private donations and sponsorships. As as registered charity, we can provide tax receipts for your donation!