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First Wild Beaver in Norfolk in 400 Years Filmed at Pensthorpe

Natural England is investigating whether the animal dispersed naturally or escaped from a licensed enclosure.

Overview

  • Reserve staff recorded the beaver dragging logs and building a lodge in a secluded stretch of the River Wensum.
  • The animal was detected after volunteers spotted distinctive tree chips and camera traps confirmed a lone beaver on the reserve.
  • Hawk and Owl Trust says ranger checks and microchip records show no escape from its enclosed Sculthorpe Moor colony upstream.
  • Natural England has said the beaver likely originated from a licensed enclosure but its origin remains unconfirmed.
  • Beaver Trust points to several wild populations in England and says natural dispersal is a credible explanation.