Local wildlife refuge, Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, and national animal welfare group, the Humane Society of the United States, have been trying for weeks to convince Toms River Township New Jersey that it does not need to trap and drown a family of beavers on Lake Placid to deal with drainage concerns.  

Replacing the current inadequate drain with a better drain equipped with beaver baffles is a much better, and non-lethal solution, that is working effectively in other NJ towns.  Plus, the groups have offered to provide the better drain and monitoring services at no cost to the town.

Despite these efforts and the pleas of neighbors, Toms River arranged for trapping/killing the animals to commence the day after Christmas.  

The request for a moratorium on trapping/killing until the parties could meet in early January after the holidays was denied by the Mayor's office, which has now had traps set up on the lake.  Our understanding is that the traps are set underwater to drown the beavers.

The drainage problem is the result of a poor drain, not the beavers, which are regarded by many members of the community as a public resource, for protection and enjoyment.  In any event, the free non-lethal solution would prevent wildlife from impacting future drainage, and will address drainage concerns.

We ask all interested persons to CALL AND EMAIL Mayor Thomas Kelaher at 732-341-1000 Ext. 8255 and TKelaher@tomsrivertownship.com and urge the Mayor to issue a moratorium on the trapping and meet with the animal welfare groups in early January to find a non-lethal solution.