The only control method that works well is trapping. The most effective trap is a number 330 Conibear (instant-kill-type) trap. This trap is designed to be placed underwater near a break in the dam, at the lodge entrance, near a slide or on a beaver run (Figure 5a), (Figure 5b), (Figure 5c), (Figure 5d).Trapping should be done by an experienced trapper because these traps exert a tremendous pressure and impact when tripped. Therefore, appropriate care must be taken when setting and placing the trap.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 provides technical guidance to landowners experiencing beaver problems. If the beaver problem is large in scope or particularly severe, contact USDA-APHIS-ADC, 3231 Ruckriegel Parkway, Louisville, KY 40299 for assistance.