Mountain Beavers - Ask Extension
Mountain beavers have moved onto our property. They did huge holes and love to eat potatoes and other roots. They seem to be very curious and will d...
Knowledgebase
Mountain Beavers #922291
Asked November 21, 2025, 7:59 PM EST
Mountain beavers have moved onto our property. They did huge holes and love to eat potatoes and other roots. They seem to be very curious and will dig a hole near any new plantings.
How to get rid of them?
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
You haven't mentioned burrows - so there's some concern that the animal you're encountering isn't a mountain beaver. Please consider uploading a couple clear photos here on AskExtension.
In the meantime, there is great guidance and clear pictures for setting lethal traps in the attached publication. Another option would be to contract with a private Wildlife Control Operator, who should (check on this) be ODA-certified to purchase the restricted-use pesticide formulation for this species. Current WCOs are listedhttps://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/license_permits_apps/wildlife_control_operator_contacts.asp
In the meantime, there is great guidance and clear pictures for setting lethal traps in the attached publication. Another option would be to contract with a private Wildlife Control Operator, who should (check on this) be ODA-certified to purchase the restricted-use pesticide formulation for this species. Current WCOs are listedhttps://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/license_permits_apps/wildlife_control_operator_contacts.asp
