The beaver was an important part of the economy in North Carolina well into the 1800s. It’s valuable fur was the main item of trade in the colonies. As a result the beaver was nearly trapped to extinction in many sections of the United States, including North Carolina. In the 1930s and 40s Several states began restocking programs. In 1939, 29 beavers were obtained from Pennsylvania and released in the sandhills game land in North Carolina. The restocking program was continued until 1956. At present day beavers occupy nearly every watershed system in North Carolina. (www.ncwildlife.org)

Beavers now flourish in North Carolina causing thousands of dollars a year in damages to crops, culverts and road systems due to flooding from the dams that they will build on creek systems. Beavers are strict vegetarians eating the inner bark of woody plants and herbs. They also find agricultural crops appealing eating soy beans and tearing down corn stalks to use at their lodge for underwater feeding.

Beavers construct two types of lodges apart from the dams they build. pond lodges are constructed of sticks and mud and my reach 15-20 feet in diameter and up to 10 feet high. Bank dens are dug into exposed banks and covered partially with sticks and mud. Most lodges have multiple underwater entries to the dry protected nest inside. (www.ncwildlife.org)

As stated above, beavers can cause plenty of damage to crops, access roads, yards and fields as well as raising the water level in housing community ponds by damming up the feeder creeks that control the water level. If you or your farm or community are having issues with beavers, please give us a call. We have years of experience from dealing with beavers and the damage they can cause to your property.