Beaver Removal

Advice on Trapping and Lethal Control

Beaver removal is only permitted in parts of Scotland, under licence, after satisfying 3 tests (more details are provided below). Beaver removal is not standard practice in England. Any form of beaver removal is decided on a case by case basis by relevant licencing staff in line with strict procedures.

In order for NatureScot to issue a licence, they must be satisfied that three legal ‘tests’ are met:

1. Licence purpose

Licences are issued for purposes set out in legislation such as preventing serious damage to certain interests such as crops, or for public health and safety reasons. There has to be a legitimate problem that needs addressing.

2. Alternatives

Licences are issued as a last resort. As a result NatureScot has to be assured that other possible actions that would either not require a licence or have less impact on beavers, have either been tried or are not likely to resolve the problem.

3. Conservation Impact

NatureScot wants to ensure that licensed actions do not harm the conservation status of beavers in Scotland and will not affect population trends or the overall range of beavers.

For further information, see the Licensing Assessment section on this NatureScot webpage.

Translocation or Lethal Control

Once the decision has been taken to remove a beaver by a licenced person, the first step is to trap the beaver. There are then two options for removing beavers: a) moving them to a pre-arranged, alternative location (known as translocation) or b) euthanasing them (known as lethal control).

Both processes only provide a temporary solution to the problem due to the fact that the removal of the beavers creates a territory vacuum which can result in other beavers recolonising the same area.

These options should only ever be viewed as a last resort once other mitigation options have been exhausted as described in the 5-step management hierarchy.

It is vital to note these options must not be undertaken without the correct licence and should only be undertaken by qualified and experienced personnel.

Licensing in Each Country

In Scotland

As of 1st May 2019 beavers are recognised as a European Protected Species in Scotland.

Trapping and lethal control of a beaver does require a licence under the current management framework.

If you own or manage land that is affected by beaver activities visit NatureScot’s website.

In England

As of 1st October 2022 beavers are recognised as a European Protected Species in England.

Trapping and lethal control of a beaver does require a licence under the current management framework.

If you own or manage land that is affected by beaver activities, visit the Government’s website.

In Wales

Beavers are not currently a protected species in Wales.

If you own or manage land that is affected by beaver activities contact the Welsh Beaver Project for support.

Advice on Trapping and Lethal Control

Translocation or Lethal Control

Licensing in Each Country

In Scotland

In England

In Wales

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Trapping & Translocation

Lethal Control

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