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

Vermont > 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.

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".

Best Management Practices for Resolving Human-Beaver Conflicts in Vermont6.89 MB

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.
Removing Beaver Dams There are many rules and regulations surrounding wetlands, including beaver created wetlands. Landowners should contact VT Fish and Wildlife or the Department of Environmental Conservation before removing beaver dams older than two years. Beaver dams less than two years can be removed but should be removed slowly, lowering the water level no more than one foot per day. This work should be done by hand rather than machinery to better control the release of water. This helps reduce downstream erosion, sediment deposition and the potential for downstream property damage.

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

Find help...

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

Can I make my property less attractive to beavers

State specific info - Vermont - Beaver