ANN ARBOR, MICH. – Washtenaw County officials’ decision to euthanize a family of beavers at Leslie Park Golf Course in Ann Arbor has sparked controversy among residents and animal advocates.
“I think it was unnecessary, and they should’ve relocated,” said one woman.
“I hate that they were killed. There just seems like there is probably a better way to maybe relocate them,” another animal advocate said.
The Water Resources Commissioner’s Office confirmed the beavers were euthanized in late May due to extensive dam construction along Traver Creek, which runs through the golf course.
“Both the beaver pipe and immediate removal options were carefully evaluated,” said Gretchen Driskell, Water Resources Commissioner for Washtenaw County. “While the beaver pipe could have provided some relief, this was not guaranteed, and the consequence of failure to the golf course and critical road and rail crossings downstream would be substantial.”
Local residents expressed dismay over the decision.
“That’s their first go-to? To euthanize?” questioned Heida Meister.
Contrary to public suggestions, relocation was not a viable option according to state regulations.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not issue permits for trapping and relocating beavers; instead, it focuses on management strategies for property owners experiencing beaver-related issues.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley is advocating for alternative solutions.
“There are definitely other methods. Non-violent methods and humane methods,” said Wendy Welch, the communications director for the center.
County officials noted that before the decision was made, multiple factors were considered:
- The beavers had created multiple dams and were expanding their construction upstream
- The relatively wet spring increased flooding concerns
- Potential risks to critical infrastructure, including road and rail crossings
- Limited effectiveness of water level control methods in this specific location
The Water Resources Commissioner’s office stated that they will continue to monitor the area and evaluate whether future beaver activity can be managed differently.
“Both parties will continue to work collaboratively to monitor activity and evaluate whether some beavers can be saved,” according to the statement.
I’d like to clarify the relocation question that has been frequently asked. The regulatory language states in Section 5.52 (3), “beaver shall not be live trapped and relocated or translocated without authorization of the wildlife management unit supervisor.”
I have called the Unit Supervisor and discussed this issue in detail. Regrettably, there remains no viable option for us to relocate beavers.
There are a variety of reasons given for this including their very specific habitat requirements, territorial behavior, movement from intended location, an abundance of beaver in Michigan, and the fact that beaver frequently can cause problems near roads, culverts, and railroads.
Problems encountered by beaver activity cannot be addressed by relocating to another property.
To date, 5 beavers have been taken from the golf course. There may be more; we continue to monitor.
No one here wants this outcome. It is unfortunate, but beavers are incompatible with urban landscapes that include rail & road crossings, and neighborhoods that are sensitive to flooding.
We have all three of those in the immediate vicinity of Leslie Park Golf Course.
Harry Sheehan, Chief Deputy of Washtenaw County Water Resources