Photo by Nat'l. Wildl. Res. Ctr., Olympia Field Stat.
Biology
Rodent, like a woodchuck, but smaller with a short heavy body
and tiny tail
Can climb
Does Not Hibernate
Nocturnal
Signs
Extensive burrows in coniferous forests of Washington,
Oregon and Northern California. These may be 1/2 to 6 feet deep with
10 to 30 holes. Some cave-ins occur with shallow burrows.
Angular,
rough cuts are made on stems 1/4 to 3/4 inches in diameter.
Damage
Stems and roots of coniferous forest trees in Northwest U.S. One
study showed $150.00 per acre losses on Douglas-fir forest land.
Damage occurs on 300,000 acres of commercial forest land.
Bark removed at base of young trees (six-inch or less
diameter).
Young trees severed near ground or a several feet up.
This usually occurs winter or late spring. Branches are cut a few
inches from the trunk. This sometimes occurs up to an eight-foot
height.
Solution
Habitat Modification
tillage
burning
exclusion for young seedlings
Repellents
Treat cull seedlings with repellent and place in active beaver
burrows to condition animals pre-application. BGR-P may be
registered in Washington and Oregon.
Trapping
body grip traps(as in Conibear
#110) set just prior to tree planting within main burrows
Double door box traps with at least a 6 in X 6 in opening can be
set in main burrows. These may be baited with common local foods and
covered against weather.
