Monday, Aug 28, 2006
Beaver trapping under fire in Fraser Valley

(CBC) - An anti-trapping group says it's time Langley Township stopped trapping beavers that cause flooding problems in the Fraser Valley community.

The town trapper caught 50 beavers last year, with the township selling the pelts and discarding the carcasses.

George Clements, the 80-year-old head of the Fur-Bearer Defenders, says there are more humane ways of dealing with the animals when they create problems.

"We're constantly moving in and taking away their areas," he said. "And to see beavers playing together is a pure joy."

Clements says the municipality should consider setting up pond levellers that make water too low for beavers to build dams.

He also suggests catching and releasing - a practice no longer endorsed by the provincial government because it causes conflicts with other animals.

But Brad Badelt, an engineer with the township, says when beaver dams flood farms or roads, trapping is the best way to deal with the problem.

"I would say 90 per cent of the township would be fair game for beavers to do what they do, but there are certain areas along roads where it really impacts property and flooding, where it's the only option." Badelt says rapid development means the beaver's natural predators have moved away from the area, allowing the beaver population to grow. The municipality is advertising for a new trapper after the former employee retired.