Beavers were spotted on the River Otter near Ottery St Mary back in 2013. Last week, the population of "at least 50 adults and kits" won the right to remain following a 5-year study by Devon Wildlife Trust:
🎉AMAZING NEWS🎉 Following the 5 year River Otter Beaver Trial, we are thrilled to announce that Devon's beavers are back and THEY'RE HERE TO STAY! The government has just officially confirmed that beavers can stay in their Devon home!— Devon Wildlife Trust (@DevonWildlife) August 5, 2020
📸 Mike Symes @WildlifeTrusts @DefraGovUK pic.twitter.com/c5hMpBURFB
It's the first time an extinct native mammal has been given government backing to be reintroduced in England.
Peter Burgess, director of conservation at Devon Wildlife Trust, said:
"This is the most ground-breaking government decision for England's wildlife for a generation. Beavers are nature's engineers and have the unrivalled ability to breathe new life into our rivers."
All those in favour! The good people of Ottery St Mary show their support for Devon's wild beavers. pic.twitter.com/k5Pj2pVT2L— Devon Wildlife Trust (@DevonWildlife) August 19, 2014
