Option 1: Tolerance
People sometimes discover that that beavers can provide more beneficial influences to their land than perceived harm. Wetlands created by beavers provide habitat for a diversity of plants, invertebrates, and wildlife, including waterfowl and white-tailed deer.
Beaver-created ponds and wetlands store water; many landowners find this beneficial during periods of during extended periods of dry weather and drought conditions.
Option 2: Dam Breaching
Breaching and removing a beaver dam is legal in North Carolina; no permits are necessary. However, without utilizing other options, such as lethally removing the beaver(s), breaching the dam is a short-term solution. Beavers are cued by the sound of escaping water and will rebuild any damage to the dam, sometimes overnight.
Option 3: Water level control devices (WLCDs)
Water level control can provide the best technique for beaver pond management in situations where the landowner wants to maintain a beaver pond or wetland, and its associated benefits, while reducing or eliminating flooding.
Several types of drains proven successful in controlling water levels include aluminum, PVC, and wood and steel. All of these drains have one thing in common, small drain holes, which the beavers are usually unable to obstruct.
High rainfall and high stream flow may prevent drainage unless several drains are installed in a beaver dam. After water level control devices are installed, they must be checked and maintained monthly to insure proper operation.
Option 4: Trapping
Trapping is the most effective and practical method for beaver population control and management. In many cases, landowners need to do no more than contact a local trapper to trap beavers. Many trappers will be happy to trap beavers during the regular trapping season, especially if they receive permission to harvest other furbearers.
Option 5: Shooting
There is an open season for taking beaver with firearms or bow and arrow throughout the year. Permission must be obtained from the owner or lessee of the land on which the beaver is being taken.