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]