My city is spending thousands to evict unusual neighbors – officials want to avoid a ‘panic’ over fears of flooding
A CITY is spending thousands to get rid of a beaver after officials raised fears the rodent could cause flooding.
Officials in Charleston, South Carolina will pay an animal pest removal company $1,200 per week to perform the service.
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It is expected it could take up to three weeks to remove the beaver from the West Ashley neighborhood.
Town leaders are on the move after the beaver sets up camp beneath a store The post office and the courier.
The beaver has set up his stable in a culvert – a sewage pipe that crosses under streets.
But officials fear possible blockages could trigger flooding in the neighborhood
They said they would try to humanely house the beaver after it was removed from the culvert.
Jay Butfiloski of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said, “Even a small dam can hold a lot of water.
“It’s different in the Upstate. But down there, where the terrain is so flat, even relatively small dams can hold a significant amount of water.”
But officials have warned of the risk of more beavers setting up camp in the neighborhood after wildlife bosses got rid of the first animal.
Beavers are known for their technical skills and the species help keep ecosystems healthy.
By building dams, creatures create wetlands and the structures help reduce soil erosion.
Beavers also increase biodiversity and can store water during droughts.
It is estimated that 15 million beavers live in North America.
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