Beavers actively inhabit Svisloch floodplain in Minsk

28 мая 2020
Beavers can be found now in the dam sections of the river in Serabranka District, on the eco path in Chizhovka and in Loshitsky Park. 

Experts say that the reason for this relocation is an increase in the number of animals. There is less and less free territory for beavers in the wild. They are not dangerous for the urban flora and citizens of Minsk, but the problem of animal relocation remains acute.

Ecologist Ruslan Shaikin has been observing beaver families for more than a year. According to him, the number of "urban beaver" has increased several times. The animals can be easily found in the swampy areas of Svisloch River. 

Ruslan Shaikin, director of the Center for Environmental Education and Development: “There are no predators who usually hunt them there. They don’t like the neighborhood of each other, that’s why settle separately across the river.” 

There are more than 60,000 people in Belarus, which is about 10,000 more than the norm. Therefore, the area in the usual habitat for beavers is becoming smaller. 

Irina Salavey, a leading researcher at the Center for Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus: “Beavers have already settled on the Svisoch in many areas, mainly in dams. They feed on willow, aspen, black alder, feed on grassy vegetation and roots.” 

Beaver families are a real problem for the residents of Minsk Region. Rodents can use several tons of timber to build their homes, including fruit trees and shrubs in the yards. 

To solve the obvious problem, forestry workers regularly catch beavers and transport them to the less populated areas. 

Cases of beaver infection occur periodically in various places. And residents of large cities are advised to be careful with rodents.