Beaver settles in Brussels for first time since 19th century
For the first time since the 19th century, a European beaver has settled in Brussels. The animal was spotted at the river Zenne, which is visible again in the north of Brussels since 2021.
The beaver has reportedly been present in the area around the river Zenne in the north of the city, near the Docks Bruxsel shopping centre, for several months, according to regional agency Brussels Environment.
“For several months, we have seen tracks on tree trunks and characteristic cuts in trees,” said Benjamin Thiebaux of Brussels Environment. “As the beaver is mainly active at night, we installed automatic infrared cameras at the site. Only a few days ago, we were finally able to film and photograph the animal. The new resident is indeed a European beaver, the largest rodent on our continent.”
Before the nineteenth century, the European beaver was found in just about every European region. But the animal was sought after for its fur and meat, which is why the animal disappeared in Belgium in the 19th century. Castoreum, an oily, odorous substance to mark territory, was also a reason for humans to hunt the animal as it is used in perfumes.
Thanks to reintroductions, the beaver returned to Belgian rivers in the 1990s, after an absence of about two centuries. “The species is now expanding rapidly. Several thousand individuals have established themselves in our country, including in urban areas,” stated Brussels Environment. Foresters from Brussels Environment have also observed traces of beavers in the Sonian forest several times in recent months. These beavers are probably passing through.
The beaver is a protected species. It is forbidden to kill it or destroy, possess, sell or buy its natural habitat.
European beaver swimming in water © BELGA PHOTO IMAGEBROKER