The body of an adult female beaver was found recently near Langford Bridge, close to the River Otter in East Devon. The beaver was discovered on a roadside embankment by an anonymous member of the public.
The beaver population on the River Otter is estimated to be around 25-30 animals. The beavers have proved popular with visitors and local people alike, with one family group near the village of Otterton drawing hundreds of people trying to see them over the past two summers.
Devon Wildlife Trust’s Steve Hussey said:
“It’s sad news. Beavers like to stick to water or close to water, but they will cross land and roads within their territories. Recent heavy rains and high river levels may have meant that this beaver chose a land route rather than battle against the force of the river. Like all wildlife, beavers are vulnerable when they cross our roads. We wish to thank the anonymous finder because it’s very important to us that people tell us about their beaver sightings.”
A decision on the long term future of Devon’s wild beavers will be made by Government at the end of the River Otter Beaver Trial in 2020.
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