Mountain Beaver
Holli
Posted: Aug-31-2004 at 8:39pm
Hi ... Anyone ever have any luck relocating a mountain beaver? We have tried everything they sell and the little rescal insists on staying on our property.
Any and all advice is welcome.
Thanks
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Holli
gary
Posted: Sep-01-2004 at 6:04am
Holli,
Russell Link in his new book, Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest, recommends harassing mountain beavers in their burrows.
"Becoming a 'bad neighbor' may cause a mountain beaver to leave and area, especially if it hasn't lived there long. Fill all existing and new tunnel entrances with dirt, rocks, or wadded newspaper. Some people have had luck success using freshly used cat litter in this way."
He goes on to say you need to do this daily for as long as necessary. He also states that if you do not change the friendly environment, other beavers may move into the burrow.
Link's new book is a must resource for PNW gardeners. Make sure that at least your local library has copies. I think that we should have them place a copy in their reference section.
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Gary
Posted: Sep-01-2004 at 1:37pm
I ditto the recommendation for Russell Link's book. I've heard good things about his newest book, Living with Wildlife but I've yet to buy it. Have you seen that one, Gary? Anyone else?
You can find both of these on Rainy Side's bookshelf, 5th and 6th books down the list.
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Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
Holli
Posted: Sep-01-2004 at 7:12pm
Hi Gary - Wow - finally some fresh advice about this problem. Since I have 2 cats - using used litter should be easy! Plus I will definately get my hands on this book!
Thanks so much
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Holli
DebbieTT
Posted: Sep-01-2004 at 7:58pm
I ordered the book today as it has been on my wish list for awhile. I have heard others raving about it. Gary helped prompt me to finally get it.
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gary
Posted: Sep-02-2004 at 7:25am
As I told Deb in a PM yesterday when I recommended she put it on the bookshelf, my copy is due back at the Library today. Our regional system has 8 copies and 8 folks are waiting for my copy to be turned in along with one due yesterday and another due today also. And I am going to go by the reference desk as I turn it in to encourage them to get a copy.
Link also suggests predator urine (or ammonia) on tennis sized rag balls stuffed down the burrow but his prevention methods will have a more permanent solution for you.
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Gary
Holli
Posted: Sep-04-2004 at 8:52am
Hi Gary - I thought I posted a reply to you the other day but I don't see it. Anyway I just wanted to thank you again for all the great information on Mountain Beavers. No only that but I now have a good resource for the smelly kitty litter
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Holli
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