Save the Martinez Beavers from Humane Depredation

November 7, 2007

This is unacceptable! We need to do something about it!!

-Aubrey

Save the Martinez Beavers from "Humane Depredation"Attend city council meeting on Wed., Nov 7th and Take Action to oppose killing of beloved animals

Last winter, residents of the East Bay city of Martinez were pleasantly surprised that some new neighbors -- a beaver couple -- had moved into town and started a family. The four beavers made their home in the Alhambra Creek, where they still reside today, to the delight of their many human friends, including out-of-town visitors who come to Martinez just to see the furry semi-aquatic rodents. But now city officials want to tear down the dam they've built, and "humanely depredate" the beavers (that is, kill them with body-gripping Conibear traps) to get them out of the creek.

The city claims that the beaver dam (which is built on a flood improvement project and measures six feet in height) puts certain residential areas near the creek in danger of being deluged by rainfall this winter. In search of a solution, city officials sought the advice of the Department of Fish and Game, which told them that the only viable response is to kill the beavers. According to Fish and Game, relocation is not an option because the territorial beavers will return to their home.

Yet numerous cases in which beavers have been successfully relocated prove that the Martinez beavers can be spared an unnecessary death. In addition, there are numerous other humane solutions that can be implemented to allow the beavers to stay in Martinez. These options include installing diversion dams, fencing, and drainage pipes.

In fact, killing the beavers will not be an effective long-term solution to this human-wildlife "conflict." Eradicating the current residents would simply open the territory up so that more beavers would come to live at Alhambra Creek -- that is, unless some drastic landscaping is undertaken to make the area uninhabitable for beavers. If Martinez is really serious about solving their beaver "problem," then city officials will seek a long-term solution that is both effective and non-lethal.

- Attend a city council meeting in Martinez this Wednesday, November 7th, when the fate of the beavers will be discussed and perhaps decided. Speak out for the beavers and let council members know that, despite the Department of Fish and Game's unsubstantiated claims, there are much better options available than so-called "humane depredation."

What: Martinez City Council meeting on Alhambra Creek beaversWhen: Wednesday, November 7th starting at 7:00 p.m.Where: Alhambra High School Performing Arts Building, 150 E Street, Martinez

- Take Action before November 7th to let Martinez's Mayor and City Council members know that you strongly support a humane (that is, non-lethal) solution to the beaver situation at Alhambra Creek. To have the most influence, edit the sample letter to your liking, and be sure to mention if you live in Martinez or have ever visited the beavers.

- Watch videos of the Martinez beavers on YouTube.

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA's efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, California 94901 - P: (415) 388-9641 F: (415) 388-0388

email: idainfo

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