What's Happening in Mississauga, ON…

Residents of Mississauga who enjoy spending time in the area’s conservation lands and other green spaces may have noticed a number of trees have been chewed on or even felled recently, but conservation officials say there is no reason to

worry.

The damage has been done by beavers who have been felling the trees to get food or build a shelter. Though it may look like a lot of trees have been harmed, the situation is not as bad as it looks.

Scott Sampson, the manager of natural heritage for Credit Valley Conservation, remarked that for the most part, what the beavers are doing is not harmful, and they are just doing what beavers do.

He further pointed out that when beavers build dams, they can be helpful to the environment, as these act like a sponge, soaking up water and sediment, and then allow them to be released more slowly into the waterway. The ponds they create can be good for waterfowl and fish.

Problems can occur if one of their dams breaks and releases the water too fast, or if the trees they fall block waterways. If this happens, the dams can be removed but most of the time, however, they should be left alone. Flyers can be printed for distribution to the public that let them know more about these animals and how they can help the environment.

If anyone is having a problem with beavers, they can call a MNRF trapper to come out and relocate the animals to a new home.
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