Video: First baby beaver spotted in Scots trial

EXPERTS trialling the reintroduction of beavers back into the UK have released footage of what they believe to be the first young beaver born.
The Scottish Beaver Trial is looking to reintroduce beavers back into the UK. Picture: PAThe Scottish Beaver Trial is looking to reintroduce beavers back into the UK. Picture: PA
The Scottish Beaver Trial is looking to reintroduce beavers back into the UK. Picture: PA

The Scottish Beaver Trial is a fully licensed project led by Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and is hosted in Argyll by Forestry Commission Scotland.

It’s the first licensed trial reintroduction of a mammal to the UK and has brought the beaver back to Scotland after a 400-year absence.

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The process now seems to have spawned a baby beaver - known as a kit. Experts not only believe this will be the first of many, but suspect further breeding has already taken place.

Field Operations Manager Roisin Campbell-Palmer said: “It is fantastic news that evidence of continued breeding at the trial site is occurring.

“Though the monitoring period has officially ended, our education ranger is still in place carrying out guided walks, delivering the education programme and keeping an eye on beaver activity.

“This footage shows a recently emerged kit, in good body condition, investigating the top of the lodge where it lives.”

She added: “During the spring and summer, beavers are more active while it is still light so there is a greater chance for people to see them in the wild.

“Our guided walks are still running, where you can learn all about these fascinating animals.

“These are fantastic for connecting children with nature and are enjoyed by visitors to the area who deliver a much-needed boost for the local economy in Argyll.”