Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Are beavers destructive?

Early this spring I noticed a beaver swimming in my 23 acre lake. He or she has built a den on an island in the shallow part of the lake. Have only seen him twice and noticed he has chewed off alot of tree branches from trees I placed in the lake for structure. How harmful is he or is there any benifit from having him. Need some feed back.

Ever heard the saying "busy as a beaver". They can be of a help if your pond is surround by undesirable hazel alder, etc. If you don't mind losing a few big trees they can fall them into the pond for cover. However they can mess up dam intergrity and outflow capabilites, and cut down nicely landscaped or preffered tress in short order. Lots of info. on trapping or you with a shotgun a buddy with a spotlight may do the trick.

greg,
thanks for the reply and info. I usually see him at dusk. Have spot light and gun. Is dusk the best time.

Beaver are nocturnal .. they will occasionally come out during daylight but dusk to shortly after daybreak is best. If there is a lodge they're very likely breeding.
Ric

Beaver are beneficial for one reason only that I can identify at this point.... HATS

Note also some beavers are bank burrowers and can damage the integrity of your pond especially if you have a levee pond.