Can I make my property less attractive to beavers in Massachusetts | Beaver

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Massachusetts > Animal is plugging drains, pipes and ditches > Beaver

Beaver live where food and building material are available

Beaver live where food and building material are available. In the case of man-made swimming ponds, the following actions may deter beaver as they reduce the quality of the habitat around the pond:

Eliminate food, trees and woody vegetation within approximately 100 feet of the water. Beavers are attracted to areas with ample food and building materials. One can also protect trees to prevent beavers from chewing them. See next section.
Every day, destroy the beaver dam and remove the debris.
Make sure to remove all debris and any new food or building materials delivered by the water so it is not available to beavers.

In beaver created wetland habitats, the removal of shoreline vegetation may violate state and/or local regulations making it challenging to alter natural or naturalized habitats to discourage beaver. You may consider removing a portion of the dam daily, but in some states manipulation of the dam could also require a state or local permit.

Legal, Regulated Trapping in Massachusetts

The use of legal, regulated, trapping by licensed trappers can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts.

Find information about trapping regulations, classes, and resources

State specific solution - Massachusetts - Beaver

Beavers and the Law: A Citizen’s Guide to Addressing Beaver Conflicts in Massachusetts174.32 KB

State specific solution - Massachusetts - How to control the water level behind a beaver dam

The Use of Water Flow Devices in Addressing Flooding Problems Caused by Beaver in Massachusetts446.96 KB

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Massachusetts

Legal, Regulated Trapping The use of legal, regulated, trapping by licensed trappers can be useful for reducing local wildlife populations and can help reduce nuisance problems in Massachusetts.

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.

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