Portland State University study reveals attitudes around living with beavers in urban areas

Probably no animal is more associated with the state of Oregon than the beaver. After all, the semiaquatic rodent adorns our state flag and is found across much of the state, including urban waterways in the Portland area. 

In July 2024, a law went into effect that changed their classification in Oregon from “predator” to “furbearer.” The change meant that private land owners could no longer kill a beaver for simply being a nuisance because it damaged trees or caused flooding on their properties. Instead, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages coexistence with beavers and requires private landowners to get a permit for their removal.  

A new Portland State University study reveals public perceptions of urban beavers at three sites in the Tualatin River watershed: Springville Creek in Portland; Fanno Creek in Beaverton; and Chicken Creek near Sherwood. The PSU researchers surveyed nearly 200 people who lived or recreated near these sites for their attitudes about urban beavers and what management practices they support to coexist with them.  

Matt Guziejka is an environmental researcher and the lead author of the study. He joins us to share details about his findings and the ecological benefits and the tradeoffs of living with these iconic animals.

OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts. Hosted By Dave Miller.