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Beaver removal a concern for Board of Health members

A sign put in a walking area near Bloods Pond asking “What happened to the Bloods Pond BEAVERS?” was put up last year after beavers in the area were trapped and euthanized due to safety concerns related to an existing dam. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

The Board of Health last week discussed options for handling concerns over flooding caused by beaver dams and voted to endorse recommending changes to the state’s wildlife relocation laws.

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe informed the board at its June 1 meeting during his director’s report that the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) will be implementing beaver management solutions in town. He noted that his department intends to work with CMMCP to install several beaver deceivers at key locations.

Beaver deceivers — also known as flow devices — regulate water levels without having to relocate or disturb an established beaver population.

McAuliffe explained that installing these devices allows water to keep flowing, thereby limiting mosquito breeding habitats.

Board members discussed the prevalence of beavers in town and how previous attempts to manage their populations have not kept the animals away. McAuliffe said that after beavers were removed from Bloods Pond last year, they returned within about three weeks.

Last year’s efforts to manage the beavers at Bloods Pond drew criticism from abutters and other residents. The Health Department and the Department of Public Works were concerned beaver dams at the pond could compromise the existing dam. Critics expressed frustration over the animals being trapped on private property and then euthanized.

According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, beavers cannot legally be captured and released into another area, necessitating “lethal removal.”

“Every time a beaver is trapped and euthanized, the anger is directed toward the Health Department,” said vice chair Mary Jo Ondrechen.

“We want the Health Department perceived as a positive force in town,” she added. “Right now, this whole beaver issue is undermining it.”

Chair Nasiba Mannan said the board should encourage residents who are concerned about lethal removal to reach out to their state senators and representatives to change the law.

“Residents need to advocate for a law change,” agreed public health nurse Simone Carter. “We are 100% behind them.”

The board voted to endorse changing the laws about wildlife relocation. Members agreed the board would send its endorsement and recommendations to the state.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Photo of the Day

A rabbit hangs out in a downtown yard recently.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR