Powys nature reserve puts down beaver suffering from injury

Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve confirmed that a female beaver in their enclosure was euthanised on the advice of a veterinarian, when it became clear that the animal was carrying “several substantial injuries” that had become infected.

The beaver, named Bedw, was being monitored by Cors Dyfi Reserve and Observatory. They revealed the news on Tuesday, May 21.

Writing on social media, they said: “During this stage of the season, we particularly monitor the female (Bedw) for signs of pregnancy and giving birth.  Normally, we would expect her to disappear into the lodge to give birth and stay in there for up to six weeks.

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“This year, however, we continued to see her. She was coming to the platform more frequently looking for ‘high energy, easy food’, which was a concern. Working with advice from the Welsh Beaver Project and Beaver Trust we continued to monitor her closely.

“We then observed her body condition looking generally dishevelled and thin. In subsequent days she appeared to be worsening and it became clear she was carrying several substantial injuries which were infected.

“The decision was taken to trap her for veterinary inspection and treatment which we did yesterday morning.

“Unfortunately, having carefully assessed her injuries under general anaesthetic, the vet informed us that her injuries were too significant for her to carry on and recommended euthanasia.

"With a heavy heart, we have followed the veterinarian’s advice. Bedw was put to sleep before coming out of anaesthesia.”

Although not a full reintroduction, the small population within the enclosed seven acres of the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve represented the first beavers in Wales since the species was driven to extinction in the 1600s.

The small group, originally from Scotland, were introduced to the area in 2021 as part of a habitat restoration project. Dyfi Wildlife Centre confirmed that the remaining four beavers in the nature reserve are in “good health”.

A spokesperson for Dyfi Wildlife Centre added: “We will continue to monitor the remaining family members for the near future.

“For now we will not be holding any public beaver evenings, but we will review in due course.  All the remaining four beavers appear in good health.”