Raw sewage threatens first beaver colony in 400 years

THE first wild beaver colony to live on an English river for 400 years is under threat because of raw sewage spills, wildlife experts warned.

Eurasian beavers

Beavers on the river Otter are at risk. (Image: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Sign up for FREE for latest news plus tips to save money and the environment Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Sewage from Honiton treatment works in Devon has contaminated the water used by the beaver colony along the river Otter, Devon Wildlife Trust said.

Keep Them Active. Energy varies between breeds, says Dr. Becker. “Greyhounds, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, and other active breeds have unfathomable energy.” He continues, “wolves spend 80% of their time awake, moving. With cats, there’s not such an exercise requirement,” but providing outlets for play at home is still crucial. For both cats and dogs he recommends food-dispensing that “recreates the hunt,” and puzzle feeders that engage your pet’s “body and mind.”

Mark Elliot, who leads the beaver project for the trust, said the 137 spills last year were "a massive concern".

He added: "There is a whole range of nasties contained in sewage that could potentially impact them, like viruses and bacteria."

What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea
South West Water, which runs the sewage site, said: "We are totally committed to the sustainable management of wild beavers, due to the multiple beneficial impacts they can have on rivers."

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Dogs can be trained to to detect cancer and other diseases in humans. Cancerous cells release different metabolic waste products than healthy cells in the human body. Dogs may even be able to sniff out cancer cells simply through smelling someone’s breath.

Related articles

  • Tsunami threat to UK 'far more serious' than scientists thought
  • End of the world: Earth to become unrecognisable
  • Frost to scrap EU projects and create alternative