Can I trap and relocate problem beavers? in Vermont | Beaver

Can I trap and relocate problem beavers?

Photo accompanying step 1

Live trap for removal of Beaver

The live trapping and translocation of beaver is generally not recommended and illegal in many states. Relocated beavers rarely stay in the area they are released and could cause problems in other areas. Survival of relocated beavers is often low, since they are unfamiliar with food resources and the best habitats are already occupied by other beavers who defend their territories. Lastly, moving beaver in the fall, affects their ability to develop an adequate food cache for the winter, potentially resulting in starvation.

Therefore, live trapping and translocation is generally a poor solution for resolving human-beaver conflicts.. Live traps suitable for capturing beavers are expensive, cumbersome to use, and require professional expertise. In most states, any trap used is required to be checked daily.

State specific info - Vermont - Beaver

Because beaver create such valuable wildlife habitat, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has a long-standing program to provide technical assistance to landowners and municipalities to help resolve beaver/human conflicts.  This assistance might include the installation of water control structures, protective fences, and advice on beaver population control if necessary.  Other organizations and individuals may offer the same types of assistance.  For more information see the VFWD publication "Best Management Practices for Resolving Human/Beaver Conflicts".   

 

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Vermont

Furbearing animals doing damage

In Vermont, landowners can legally protect their property from damage caused by rabbits and furbearing animals through lethal means. Anyone receiving compensation for trapping furbearers doing damage must hold a valid Vermont trapping license.

Possession of Wildlife

It is illegal to possess living, wild animals in Vermont. A furbearing animal can only be possessed when moving the animal to a more appropriate place for dispatch. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/10APPENDIX/001/00044

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

Was this solution helpful?

Yes No