It is estimated that there may be as many as several hundred of them in the Bory Dolnośląskie forest. We are talking about beavers, which recently have taken an exceptional liking to the area along the river – nomen omen – the Bóbr.
The effects of these animal engineers’ activity can essentially be observed during every walk along our river.
Interestingly, the animals, whose population in our county has increased significantly recently, came to us all the way from Masuria.
Should we be afraid of them?
No, beavers generally avoid people. There is one known case of a beaver attacking a person in self-defense. In the vast majority of cases, the friendly rodents flee.
Their activity is highly beneficial to nature. A problem arises when they begin building their dams and lodges near farmland.
What could this lead to?
For now, the activity of the beavers in Bolesławiec is causing neither farmers nor the State Forests any major damage; nevertheless, if a larger conflict arises between beavers and humans, the rodents may share the fate of wild boars. (The Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection will issue a permit for their culling).
What do you think? Have you ever managed to spot a beaver along the Bóbr? We invite you to join the discussion.