Beaver chaos in Brandenburg: peak levels and massive displacement!

Beaver chaos in Brandenburg: peak levels and massive displacement!

The beaver population in Brandenburg has experienced a remarkable increase in recent years. According to estimates by the State Office for the Environment (LfU), there are currently between 4,000 and 4,200 beavers living in the state, which is the highest level in many decades. Last year the estimate was around 3,700 animals. Almost all beaver territories in Brandenburg are now occupied, which brings with it both opportunities and challenges. This is reported by rbb24.

However, the dynamic settlement of the territories is influenced by various environmental factors. Dry rivers lead to migration, while a normalized water balance enables repopulation. These changes are putting the coexistence of humans and animals to the test, as many citizens do not perceive the spread of beavers as entirely positive. Flooded areas and damage to gardens or infrastructure are common problems reported by those affected.

Increase in anti-beaver campaigns

Given the growing beaver population, the number of anti-beaver campaigns has skyrocketed. Around 900 deterrents were carried out in 2024, which is more than three times the number of measures in the previous year. While only 200 scares occurred in 2023, this trend has changed dramatically. It is important to note that beavers enjoy strict protected status, but under certain conditions they are scareable or even shootable. The beaver ordinance in Brandenburg regulates special exceptions, for example in the event of damage in towns.

Despite the high number of scares, the number of beaver shootings fell slightly from 162 in 2023 to 141 in 2024. The German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has criticized the number of shootings, especially in the context of the Oder flood in late summer 2024. A particularly worrying development can be seen on the Oder, where around 1,000 Elbe beavers live. A recent beaver kill that affected 110 animals represents more than ten percent of the local population and threatens their long-term conservation status. The BUND is therefore calling for preventative dike protection measures to avoid such killings in the future. Several initiatives, such as securing dikes with special burial protection mats, are suggested as possible solutions.

Criticism of the authorities' approach

The legal requirements for the killings were not met in the Oder-Spree, Uckermark and Frankfurt/Oder districts, which raises questions about the authorities' transparency and decision-making. In the Märkisch-Oderland district, for example, there was no response to an environmental information request from BUND Brandenburg. Gregor Beyer, who now serves as State Secretary for Nature Conservation in the state government, was responsible at the time, which further complicated the situation. Carsten Preuß, state chairman of BUND Brandenburg, expressed concern about the effects of the shooting on the local beaver population and emphasized the need for protective measures.

The challenge for the authorities is to bring the nature conservation protection of beavers into harmony with the needs of local residents. Careful handling of this animal species is crucial to promote biodiversity while protecting the interests of the population. The conflict between humans and animals remains a central topic in the nature conservation policy discussion in Brandenburg.