How to Get Rid of a Beaver Dam

Beavers are one of the few animals that are able to alter their environment to benefit their needs. This is done by the building of dams. Dams create wetlands, which can be beneficial for other animals, but problematic to landowners. Large dams can cause flooding, which can wipe out crops and livestock, and damage homes. If the dam isn't removed, it can even cause damage to roads and bridges. Fortunately, the government has set up an environmentally safe way to remove these dams from your property.

Shovel
Pick
Backhoe

Instructions

- 1
  Contact the Department of Natural Resources in your state to ensure you're allowed to remove a beaver dam on your own. Some states require you to have a permit while others will require a government official to inspect the dam first.
- 2
  Remove the beavers from the area. Most states request that you humanely euthanize the creatures by shooting them. If this is not possible, you can contact animal control and request that they kill or capture the beavers and relocate them to another area.
- 3
  Contact any neighbors in the area who will be directly affected by the removal of the dam. This is often required before you're allowed to remove the structure. In many states, if you remove a beaver dam on your property and it floods your neighbor's yard, you will be required to pay to fix the damage. Make sure all parties understand this before moving forward.
- 4
  Contact a licensed blaster to use explosives to remove the dam. All blasters must have a permit and the signed consent of the landowner before performing the blast. If you would rather not use explosives, you may also remove the dam by hand using a shovel, pick or backhoe. This method is often safer, but will take more time and not fully remove the structure.

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