Reader Lillian Salchner sent us photos earlier this week of a tree that appeared to have been chewed by a beaver.
The tree was located beside the Mackay walking trail, about 100 metres north of the North Vancouver Tennis Centre. Salchner was out for a walk with her two kids when she noticed the damage, and was concerned that someone walking in the area might be injured by the tree if it fell.
She suspected there was a family of beavers in the area and also noted in an email: “A woman was trying to dismantle the beaver dam in the water yesterday as well!”
When contacted about the tree, Stephanie Smiley, communications co-ordinator for the District of North Vancouver, said someone from the district would go out to have a look.
By Wednesday, the damaged tree had been removed.
“They’ve taken it down and cleared some brush. The dam is still there plus I’m sure the beaver will just move on to another tree,” reported Salchner in an email, but added: “Glad to see the district responded quickly to remove the hazard.”
Smiley confirmed that the Parks department had informed her the tree was removed.
“Apparently, there is a family of beavers that live in that area,” said Smiley in an email. “Several years ago our Parks department wrapped a number of trees in that area to prevent beaver damage. They’re in the process of reassessing that site to see if additional protection is needed.”
“If a resident sees a district tree that concerns them they should call us,” said Smiley. “We’ll send an arborist and have the tree inspected. If the tree is deemed hazardous we will remove it.”
District park rangers also strongly discourage residents from interacting with wildlife or interfering with any wildlife habitat, added Smiley referring to the person who may have been trying to dismantle the beaver dam. "If you have concerns about something you see on district property, please call us and we will respond," she said.
Smiley provided the following contact information options.
To report a concern:
- Visit the district website (dnv.org) and click on the “Need Help? Contact us” tile on the home page.
- Use the email address [email protected].
- Call the district’s front reception at 604-990-2311 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
- Call the district’s after-hours emergency line at 604-990-3666 (outside of regular business hours).
This story was modified from its orignal version to include a response from the district in relation to a resident reportedly trying to dismantle a beaver dam.
