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Bonjour

I understand that beavers actually cause a lot of damage. What's the situation exactly?

Are they protected animals?

Bonjour Raphael

I suppose that viewing beavers as being destructive depends entirely on your point of view. In a wholly natural world, I do not believe that the natural processes which they set in motion, cause, create and live by, should qualify as destruction of any kind. Their dams do much to naturally minimize flooding downsteam, though locally they do cause intentional flooding. Those ponds naturally create meadows over time, which in most if not all situations may be considered a good thing!?!?

However, when it comes to the works of modern man, such as canals, irrigation channels, hydro-power infrastructure and the like, then yes, beavers can be a rather serious problem. I could go on at great lengths about these things!

As for being protected, I am unsure how they are treated in the various Provinces of Canada, where these photos were taken. However, in the USA their level of protection varies State by State and even in various locals within some States. Here in California (Kaliphoney) there is currently limited trapping licenses available, and only in strictly identified areas. On the other hand, there are also "Predation Permits" that may be (but not necessarily) issued to farmers, water and power companies, or other water infrastructure managers to help them get rid of problems being caused with their systems.

Several decades ago, during my "Mountain Man" period, I had a trapping license specifically to learn how to trap the beaver, and found it was an interesting challenge and experience. During the first season, I did not do very well, though I did get two minks along with a few beavers but learned a whole lot. The first night of the second season I caught 7 beavers, out of eleven sets, totaling a bit over 350 pounds with the largest animal just at 70 pounds! I have not trapped since that night, figuring I'd learned the lessons well enough that should I ever need to, I would be able to be successful again. I should add that here where I live the beaver is not a native species, but rather has been an introduced population, and thus is something of a problem to the local environment!

So much more that I could add here, but perhaps have said more than there is any interest already.

One other thing I should perhaps add however ...... Beaver is fine eating in my opinion, and the fur is truly amazing!!!