CONTROL METHODS FOR NUISANCE BEAVER IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

Strychnine alkaloid baits were consumed by both captive and wild beaver without any apparent hesitation. An approximate minimal acute lethal dose of sodium monofluoro-acetate to beaver of mixed ages and sex was 0.202 mg/kg. Trapping beaver on four study area watersheds in Alabama with No. 330 conibear traps for approximately two weeks in winter during two successive years essentially eliminated beaver. Older individuals were trapped the first year, maturing juveniles and the remaining few adults were trapped the second year, and there was very little reproduction between the trapping periods. Trapping, with its recreational appeal, and income and food potential seems the better and more prudent approach to control of nuisance beaver than others being considered