SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A beaver that had been causing problems at Heather Moyse Heritage Park since at least September has finally left the area.
The animal had taken down numerous trees, valued at several thousand dollars, and created a small dam that caused the water in the pond to rise. The city was also concerned, noting an urban park isn’t an ideal location for a beaver to live.
After discovering the beaver’s makeshift habitat, the city hired a trapper to remove the animal – though trapping the beaver proved to be harder than expected.
The live traps that were set were unsuccessful at capturing the rodent.
The trapper then switched to a snare method – which were later removed. He replaced them with more live traps, after being asked by JP Desrosiers, director of community services for Summerside, due to safety concerns from the public.
Even though the beaver once again evaded capture, Desrosiers says the problem solved itself.
“Our trapper advised after a two-week period that all signs point to the beaver vacating the park and [moving] elsewhere,” Desrosiers wrote in an email to the Journal Pioneer.
Desrosiers said that officials continue to monitor the area to see if the beaver returns. Given the time of year, though, he said it’s unlikely it will be back.
