The Brunstingerplas near Beilen is the domain of anglers. Now it is quiet, but Appelscha Outdoor is going to turn it into a recreational lake. According to beaver expert Cindy de Jonge-Stegink of the province of Drenthe, the fact that a beaver appears to be alive is no problem.
Traces of the large rodent were found by De Jonge over the past three weeks. In response to photos sent to her, showing a beaver crossing the Beilervaart, she set out to investigate. In the Brunstingerplas, but also at other lakes in the area, she saw gnaw marks and paw prints. Maybe it’s the work of several beavers, she doesn’t know yet.
Anglers and future recreationists need not worry. According to De Jonge, beavers and humans get on well together in these places; former sand extraction sites. “I think the beaver just comes swimming by when the fishermen are fishing, that’s fine.” The nearby roads are also not affected by the animal. “I don’t consider the risk of excavation great here.”
De Jonge is happy that the beaver has found its way to the Brunstingerplas. “We have two populations of beavers in the Netherlands: a large southern one and a small northern one. It is very important that they connect with each other: genetically speaking.”
De Jonge keeps the option open that this beaver came from Meppel and is therefore close to the northern population. “To get from A to B, they find these kinds of green stepping stones in the landscape. These kinds of sand holes were created by us humans, for the benefit of roads and urban areas, but in the meantime they are real ecological gems, where beavers can be, can live , boy can get.”