A homeowners' association in Georgia is locked in a contentious dispute with residents over its decision to trap and kill beavers that have become a nuisance in the community. The Deer Lake HOA in Alpharetta, located approximately 26 miles north of Atlanta, claims it explored relocation options but ultimately resorted to trapping the animals, which have been damaging tree trunks and bushes around the neighborhood's central lake.
Residents Voice Opposition
Liliana Rodriguez, a resident of the Deer Lake subdivision, expressed her disapproval to WSB-TV, stating, "I don't like the idea of killing animals." Neighbors have voiced their outrage on the community's Facebook page, according to resident Daniel Walsh. "I've seen a lot of people say, 'This is wrong. Why are we doing this?'" Walsh said. "We can't just kill beavers just because they're here. We should relocate them."
Support for Trapping
However, some residents believe that trapping and killing the beavers is necessary. Clark Bond, another neighbor, described the traps as "the most humane way we can capture a beaver." He added, "They're gonna die in a natural condition, doing what they like, chomping on wood." Bond acknowledged understanding why some neighbors oppose the measure, noting, "I think the idea of catching a nice furry animal and then having it reach its demise is a sad thing for a lot of people."
HOA's Justification
In a letter to residents obtained by WSB-TV, the Deer Lake HOA Board of Directors explained that they contacted more than ten wildlife trappers in North Georgia, but none were willing or able to assist with relocation. Under Georgia Department of Natural Resources regulations, relocated beavers can only be released on private property. The letter noted, "As a practical matter, no property owners or organizations were willing to accept relocated beavers, which made relocation unavailable as an option." The HOA emphasized that the traps are temporary and will remain in place for only a few more weeks. So far, only one beaver has been caught.
