A mysterious animal spotted in a Wolverhampton canal has been identified as a beaver, a rarity in the UK. Observers captured photos and videos on Wednesday and Thursday, initially sparking debate over whether it was an otter or a beaver. Wildlife ranger Harvey Tweats from Trentham Estate confirmed it was indeed a beaver, calling the footage “remarkable.”
Beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK centuries ago but have been reintroduced in select areas, including Trentham Estate. Multiple sightings occurred last week, one in the canal and another in Smestow Brook.
In 2009, the Scottish government authorized the release of Norwegian beavers into Knapdale Forest, marking the first official reintroduction of a mammal species in Britain. England has followed with reintroduction sites, though releasing beavers into the wild without a license from Natural England remains illegal.
Tweats estimates that England’s wild beaver population likely exceeds 1,000, thriving in various habitats, including urban areas like Exeter and Frome. He notes that beavers can acclimate to human presence.
Beavers are known as ecosystem engineers for their ability to modify environments, benefiting other species and reducing flood risks by slowing water flow. In March 2023, a family of beavers was released at Trentham Estate, one of the UK’s largest enclosures.
Tweats assures that all Trentham’s beavers are safe and accounted for. The estate’s beaver project aims to reintroduce them into a managed environment where their ecological benefits can be appreciated. He encourages the public to follow the Beaver Trust’s guidelines if they encounter a beaver and maintain a safe distance.
Trentham Estate envisions a future where humans and beavers coexist harmoniously across the Midlands.