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The beaver activists risking arrest to do ‘God’s work’

Related: Bears escape enclosure at UK wildlife park and eat week’s worth of honey
  • An anonymous activist group is illegally releasing beavers into the English wild, claiming they are skirting cumbersome bureaucracy to do “God’s work”.
  • Releasing beavers without a license is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, prompting calls for stronger government action against unauthorised reintroductions.
  • The government approved licensed beaver releases earlier this year to help reduce flooding risks and restore natural habitats.
  • Beavers, which disappeared from Britain centuries ago, are recognised for their vital role in shaping environments, creating diverse habitats, and mitigating floods and droughts.
  • The National Farmers Union has voiced concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of beavers on agricultural land, business, and food production, urging a comprehensive management plan.
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