Beaver in Brussels for first time in 200 years

Reintroduced secretly into Belgium in the 1990s and expanding rapidly, a beaver has now been spotted in the capital – the first time for some 200 years, regional agency Brussels Environment has announced.

The animal has settled north of the capital. The location is a place where the Senne river, which runs largely underground including through the city centre, was opened up in 2021.

“For several months now, we have been observing characteristic traces on tree trunks and cuttings,” said Brussels Environment’s Benjamin Thiébaux. He noted that infrared cameras at night had enabled the agency to discover this inhabitant for the first time last month.

“The new inhabitant is indeed a European beaver, the largest rodent on our continent,” Thiébaux said.

Beavers had been present throughout Europe, particularly in Belgium, until the end of the Middle Ages. But the animals disappeared in the 19th century when hunted for their fur, meat and castoreum. This oily, fragrant substance given off by the animals to mark their territory is used in perfumes.

But now, following their reappearance in Belgium, “several thousand individuals have established themselves in our country, including in urban areas,” Brussels Environment said. “Even the Brussels region now counts at least one ‘established’ specimen.”

It is the only repeated sighting of the mammal in this area – at the spot on the Senne restored with facilities “conducive to nature”, the agency said.

It said the animal was good news for the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Its presence not only shows that water quality is good, but beavers also take over some building and repair jobs that wardens would otherwise have to do.

Brussels Environment forest rangers have also reported seeing traces of beavers in the Sonian Forest on several occasions, but they are thought to be just passing through.

“By cutting down trees and creating water reserves to feed and build its lodge and dams, this four-legged engineer can create openings in forests,” said Brussels forest ranger Willy van de Velde.

Sometimes, beavers can even flood surfaces or create actual ponds, resulting in wetlands. This boosts the development of species such as salamanders, amphibians and dragonflies.

To ensure that the species does not disappear again, beavers are protected, meaning it is forbidden to kill them or destroy, possess, sell or buy their natural habitat.

At its River Senne location, Brussels Environment staff are monitoring the beaver’s presence and being vigilant about any nuisance its arrival may bring.

In future, the hope is that this beaver, which likely came from the Flemish Brabant, will settle down properly and start a family.

Photo: Per Harald Olsen/Wikimedia. Licensed under Creative Commons