A homeowners' association in Alpharetta, Georgia, is facing opposition from residents over its decision to trap and kill beavers that have become a nuisance in the neighbourhood. The Deer Lake HOA says it explored relocation options but had to resort to trapping the animals, which have been damaging trees and bushes around the community's lake.
Residents like Liliana Rodriguez expressed dismay, telling WSB-TV: 'I don't like the idea of killing animals.' Another resident, Daniel Walsh, noted outrage on the neighbourhood's Facebook page, saying: 'We can't just kill beavers just because they're here. We should relocate them.'
However, some residents support the HOA's approach. Clark Bond argued that trapping is 'the most humane way we can capture a beaver,' adding that the animals 'are gonna die in a natural condition, doing what they like, chomping on wood.' He acknowledged that the idea of killing furry animals is sad for many people.
In a letter to residents, the HOA's Board of Directors stated that they contacted more than 10 wildlife trappers in North Georgia, but none were willing or able to relocate the beavers. Under Georgia Department of Natural Resources rules, relocated beavers can only be released on private property, and since beavers are considered nuisance animals, they cannot be released on state-owned land. The HOA said no property owners or organisations were willing to accept relocated beavers, making relocation unavailable.
The HOA assured residents that the traps are temporary and will be out for only a few more weeks. So far, only one beaver has been caught.
