Four Centuries Later, Beavers Are Back

A new study reveals that beavers have returned to the waters of the West Country in South West England after not being seen for over four centuries.

It is an “extremely significant” finding, a spokesperson for the Avon Wildlife Trust says. “The presence of this beaver population will support other wildlife and help us to tackle the ecological emergency.”

England declared beavers a protected species in October 2022; however, the return of the beavers to the region likely occurred due to unlicensed, illegal releases. An estimated 36 to 62 adult beavers were found in sections of the rivers near Bath, Chippenham, and Trowbridge. Regardless of how the beavers arrived, the promotion of co-existence with the beavers and effective management plans are in the works in the region.