FAQ: What will you do with any animals that stray out of the trial area?
Beavers are highly territorial and re-colonisation takes place based on the suitability of the area as a beaver habitat. There are many suitable locations for the beavers to re-colonise within the Knapdale trial area. However a trial of this nature with numerous wild animals in a large, unfenced semi-natural area means there is potential for some beavers to move outwith the trial site.
On
ce introduced, the beavers will be observed using direct methods, such as monitoring their tracks and dams, as well as in direct methods, such as the use of radio tagging. We aim to recapture and return any stray beavers to the trial area. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has particular expertise in recapturing beavers in the wild. We will also work with the community to identify and mitigate against potential problems.
In the first year of the trial at least three of our beavers have strayed outside the trial area, with one being subsequently being recaptured and two others remaining unaccounted for. Our response to any straying beavers is to intensively track and search for these animals, with the view to recapturing and returning these animals to the trial site as soon as possible.
