A rare sighting of a beaver in a Wolverhampton canal has been confirmed after excited onlookers shared photos and videos online.
The images sparked a debate over whether the animal was an otter or a beaver—a species hunted to extinction in the UK centuries ago.
However, Harvey Tweats, a wildlife ranger at Trentham Estate in Stoke-on-Trent, ruled “100% beaver” on the sighting, adding the footage was “remarkable”.
Beavers were eradicated in the early 16th century due to hunting for their fur, scent glands, and meat. However, they have been reintroduced to select sites in the UK, including Trentham.
Last month, there were at least two sightings: one in the canal and another in Smestow Brook.
In 2009, the Scottish government sanctioned the release of beavers from Norway into Argyll’s Knapdale Forest, marking the first official reintroduction of a mammal species to the wild in Britain. England followed suit with similar efforts, though it remains illegal to release beavers into the wild without a licence from Natural England.
Mr Tweats said: “The wild population of beavers in England probably exceeds 1,000 animals, which are living in a range of habitats, with wild population centres in the south-west and Kent.
“Observation from European cities, such as Munich and Berlin, demonstrates that beavers can surprisingly thrive in urban environments – already wild beavers in England are living within cities, such as Exeter and Frome.”
He added: “I’ve noticed in my work how accustomed beavers can become to the presence of people.”
Beavers are known as ecosystem engineers for their ability to transform environments, benefiting other species and helping to reduce flood risks by slowing water flow.
A family of beavers was released at the Trentham Estate in March 2023, within one of the UK’s largest enclosures.
Mr. Tweats confirmed that all Trentham’s beavers are safe and accounted for.
“Our beaver project has reintroduced beavers into a managed environment where the public can observe their activities, learn about their ecological benefits, and imagine a future where humans and beavers coexist harmoniously,” he said.
“I advise members of the public to refer to the Beaver Trust’s Beaver Code, external if they spot one, and maintain distance.
“At Trentham we hope for a future where these fascinating creatures can be safely and legally reintroduced into their natural habitats across the Midlands.”
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