Southern Alberta city halts lethal trapping of beavers

A press release from the City of Airdrie this weekend indicates the municipality is going to temporarily halt lethal trapping of beavers in Nose Creek and other local bodies of water, following backlash from the public about the issue. 

"We've heard clearly from residents that they have concerns with the current wildlife management strategies,” said Mayor Brown in the news release. “We have also heard from residents that we need to properly manage wildlife and protect mature trees in the City."

The press release points out the City of Airdrie follows recommendations from the provincial government regarding its wildlife management (including beavers) along the Nose Creek corridor and other bodies of water in Airdrie.

The City began lethally trapping beavers after receiving complaints about mature trees being felled and property damage caused by the animals. 

However, other residents of Waterstone criticized the decision to have the beavers put down, eventually getting a national wildlife protection agency from B.C. to wade into the issue and implore City of Airdrie officials to stop euthanizing local beavers that are deemed a nuisance.

"The City considers it prudent to take a pause on the implementation of the current Provincial pest management practices to get further ecological expertise in the spring, with a specific focus on the local environment," the release stated, adding the municipality is contracting an environmental expert to "conduct an assessment in Waterstone and other areas of the City and will create a strategy for how to best manage wildlife and protect trees in the City."

For previous coverage on this issue, click here