Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Beavers! Dam?

It's been about 3 weeks since I visited my 2 acre pond. Went out today to fish and noticed about 15 small pine trees had been gnawed off completely, about 18" above the ground. Several limbs stripped of their bark.

I can't see evidence of a den or dam anywhere - no moving water in the pond, although it's at max pool right now. Several of the trees had been pulled into the water near the bank and are just sitting there in shallow water.

It's the first time I've seen any beaver (could it be sumpin' eles?) activity, although a neighbor's pond, which mine overflows into, had a number of dams which he destroyed last year.
Question is - what do I do? So far, everything I've read says they're vegetarian - is that so, or can they harm the fish population? I sure want to stop the tree damage.

I'm in the city limits so I can't legally shoot the thing(s) with a .22. Will a .177 pellet kill one? There are several types of traps advertised around various sites - anyone have first-hand experience with any? Any advice for a first timer would be appreciated.

BTW - if you'd like to read something hilarious about Beavers and Dams, takea look at this:
[URL=http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/beaverdam.htm]

Beavers in city limits usually have a bank den. Walk the banks you should see a place where he or she goes in and out just under the water surface. there will ba lack of leaves on the lake bottom here. A coniber 330 placed in front of the den site is the best option, but be careful they are dangerous if you don;t know what your doing. They will not do anything to your fish. Check AL trapping regs and maybe you want to hire a professional trapper. A pellet gun will do nothing to one even a light load shotgun does little damage.

Dave,

Make sure what you are looking for is a beaver and not a nutria. Both are herbivores and both will knaw down small trees. The nutria will knaw down the trees to eat the foliage especially if there is little vegetation left on the ground for them.

If you see it...trap it, shoot it, etc. They are great eatin'...just ask the Louisianans!

Good Luck!

Yep, you got beavers... as Greg says they won't eat your fish, but they can make quite a mess of trees and your pond banks... as well as dragging crap into the pond. Beavers can also carry a disease known as giardia... damages the immune system... transfered via the water. And again, a 177 cal pellet won't even faze it.. unless you hit it in the eye.. and then you'll just blind it. Using a small caliber like a .22 you will also need to aim for the head or pop more then one round into it.

ah beavers....