8. The benefits of Beavers can outweigh the costs
Because beavers help control the flow of water, they can support the restoration of waterways which is needed to respond to climate change and mitigate extreme weather events, such as flooding. In addition, beavers can bring wildlife tourism into the area, benefiting the local community and economy. In the UK, a village near the River Otter with properties at risk of flooding, has seen a reduction in the peak flow of water as a result of beaver dams.
The River Otter beaver population has also delivered significant ecological benefits including new wetland habitat and increases in fish, particularly trout. A study here shows that the ecosystem services and social benefits beavers bring are greater than the financial costs they incur.