Mulde beavers unusually active: Beech trees threaten to die off

Beavers have severely damaged several copper beeches on the banks of the Zwickauer Mulde in Wechselburg Castle Park. The State Foundation for Nature and the Environment announced on Thursday that the trees, which are up to 200 years old, must now be expected to die and spoke of the "surprising behavior" of the animals. It could indicate that there is too little food for beavers in this area of the Mulde. However, it is also possible that their population has increased.

In recent years, the damage has been limited. The healthy beech trees on the banks of the Mulde are now to be protected from being eaten with wire sleeves. The Foundation for Nature and the Environment is also looking into planting suitable tree species in the area so that the animals have an alternative food source. The beaver (Castor fiber) is a strictly protected species.