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Cole Harbour Residents Shocked by Beaver Culling Decision
11 Sep
Summary
- Municipal officials ordered the removal and euthanization of two beavers.
- Beavers were removed due to fears their dam could cause flooding.
- Residents and wildlife experts question the decision, citing ecological importance.
Two beavers were euthanized last month in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, after municipal officials determined their dam-building activities on Cranberry Lake posed a potential flooding risk. Residents near the lake, including long-time advocate Susie Keating, expressed shock and dismay at the decision, questioning the necessity of killing the animals when they were perceived as not causing any direct harm.
The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) stated that traps were set to address beavers potentially damaging parkland, private property, or drainage infrastructure, with flood risk management being a primary consideration. A wildlife technician confirmed the animals were handed over to the Department of Natural Resources, where euthanization was deemed the last resort due to the territorial nature of beavers making relocation problematic.
Local councillor Trish Purdy was also surprised by the euthanization, stating relocation was the usual practice. Wildlife rehabilitation founder Hope Swinimer emphasized the beavers' role as a keystone species in maintaining local ecosystems and suggested non-lethal mitigation techniques like tree wrapping or flow pipes in dams. While the HRM acknowledges these methods, they also note complexities regarding fish and turtle passage.
Despite the recent loss, new signs of beaver activity have emerged at Cranberry Lake. While currently posing no threat, municipal staff are monitoring the situation and indicated that action would be taken if water levels rise and flood risks increase. This ongoing presence has reignited determination among some residents to advocate for wildlife protection.
