A recent discovery in Norfolk has reignited speculation about the presence of wild beavers across England. While a statement from the Beaver Trust initially reported sightings in Norfolk, Kent, Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Herefordshire, a concerned citizen from Berkshire is now claiming to have evidence of the elusive creatures.
Richard Foster, who resides along the River Kennet, recently captured images of a beaver on his trail camera. When verified by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon wildlife trust, these photos revealed unmistakable signs of the iconic semi-aquatic rodent. What's even more remarkable is that Foster was not alone in capturing images of the animals. Just two weeks prior to his sighting, a neighbor also caught beaver footage on her trail camera.
Foster has raised questions about the potential scope of wild beaver populations across England, noting that independent sightings three months apart suggest their presence may be more widespread than initially thought. Although there have been reported instances of beaver gnawings in the area, these cannot be confirmed with certainty.
To mitigate concerns, authorities at Ewhurst Park wildlife reserve located 10 miles away assure that they have not had any escaped captive animals. While the Beaver Trust's initial findings may have provided a snapshot of the situation, Foster's account highlights the possibility that wild beavers could be more extensively distributed than previously acknowledged.
Richard Foster, who resides along the River Kennet, recently captured images of a beaver on his trail camera. When verified by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon wildlife trust, these photos revealed unmistakable signs of the iconic semi-aquatic rodent. What's even more remarkable is that Foster was not alone in capturing images of the animals. Just two weeks prior to his sighting, a neighbor also caught beaver footage on her trail camera.
Foster has raised questions about the potential scope of wild beaver populations across England, noting that independent sightings three months apart suggest their presence may be more widespread than initially thought. Although there have been reported instances of beaver gnawings in the area, these cannot be confirmed with certainty.
To mitigate concerns, authorities at Ewhurst Park wildlife reserve located 10 miles away assure that they have not had any escaped captive animals. While the Beaver Trust's initial findings may have provided a snapshot of the situation, Foster's account highlights the possibility that wild beavers could be more extensively distributed than previously acknowledged.