Over the past seven years, 3,459 beavers have been killed statewide under the program. Statesman Journal
This week's question:
The federal government will suspend a program that kills beavers and other mammals in Oregon after environmental groups threatened a lawsuit. Do you think the feds should be spending money to catch and release the state animal, which is encroaching on private or public property to comply with the Endangered Species Act?
Here's what you said:
I wish we would realize that these species have been around this state for centuries. I want to see us protect our animals and environment.
— Kris Adams, Keizer
Something needs to be done to control the beavers in urban areas. Over the last few weeks I have observed dozens of trees are down along about a mile of the banks of Pringle Creek in the Fairview Industrial area, i.e. chewed through near the ground. City told me they are a protected species so there is nothing that can be done. Trapping and removal might be the best solution.
— Geoffrey James, Salem
This won't be popular, but all these critters and then some, were here first. To relocate them, is liken to relocating anything else that was here first. Deal with living with them, or maybe move the humans.
— Tony Weaver, Woodburn
I am totally against any program to kill beavers, because they happen to be a nuisance to others. I completely endorse federal funds to be used to relocate them. Protecting our wildlife should be our government's job, not the killing defenseless animals. Kudos to the people who brought this about.
— Larry R. George, Salem
Yes, Continue with the rig ram. Protect endangered species.
— Ann Watters RPE,BCPP, Salem
No! Native wildlife including beavers, river otters, coyotes, foxes, and more are essential links in a healthy Oregon environment. The feds should not have trapped and killed 3459 beavers since 2010. That was the biggest slaughter of Oregon's iconic fur bearing state animal since the Hudson's Bay fur trapping era in the 1800's. Economic activity should not trump sound wildlife management.
— Ken Simila, Salem
With all the pressure and disdain from the environmentalists the crew working on the project are being quite careful to not upset them with sketchy plans. They should be left to do the jobs for which they have been trained.
— Jim Jaqua, Keizer
Actually, the suspension is only temporary, pending completion of a one year study by the Feds. My guess is that the state animal will win this conflict through some sort of non-lethal method for minimizing beaver damage to natural and man-made environments. Costs regarding the method will not be an issue. Castor Canadensis rules!
— Woody Tiernan, Dallas
If the beaver is being saved and not killed, what's the problem? Just like with the homeless, all beings deserve the dignity of life; but if they are encroaching, overcrowding or overpopulating, relocation is just.
— Greg Machado, Salem
Absolutely - as long as these decisions are based on non-biased, non-politicized science.
— Joe Koubek, Dallas
Well, catch-and-release is certainly a more humane treatment of these animals than killing them. They are wild animals and do what wild animals do. Destroying them is not a solution; moving them is.
— Cheryl Eby, Salem
I don’t think the feds should spend any money trapping and moving these animals. They should put this money aside to fight the environmentalists in court the next time they get their nickers in a bunch.
— Robert Royer, Salem
There are times when even beavers can become a problem. In the past beavers stopped a drainage channel that prevented water from draining farmland in Silverton. This required blasting the beaver-dam a few times to allow the water to drain. Humans have become the endangered species, now that environmental groups have become so pervasive and damaging to our culture. People should have rights also.
— William K. Dettwyler, Salem
I was saddened to read about the USDA's Wildlife Service killing over 3,400 beavers in the last seven years. Anyone who has paid even a little attention to information about environment and wildlife knows these odd little creatures play a very important role in the health and well-being of our world. Beavers should be protected, especially in Oregon. It's our state animal!
— Carol Odenweller, Salem
I support catch and release, in preference to our state animal being the dead beaver.
— David Haber, Salem
I maybe among the few but I have never heard, seen or read about beavers encroaching on private or public property. They were here long before we were, and will be here long after we leave. What is it with this country? They take Indian lands, cattle farmers lands, and call it: "For the better good." Who's better good? Dam sure isn't mine and I am a camper and fisherman.
— Kent Wilson, Salem
Want to have your say?
Interested in joining our crew of Rapid Responders? Email Opinions Editor Carol McAlice Currie at ccurrie@statesmanjournal.com with your full legal name, address, telephone number and email address. All applications are vetted for authenticity. Each Thursday afternoon we submit a question to the members of the Rapid Response team. They have until noon Friday to submit a response. All responses are published Saturday afternoon at StatesmanJournal.com; some are printed in the Sunday newspaper