Beavers play an important role in New England's ecology and provide many environmental benefits, but sometimes their activities can negatively impact human health and safety.

If you are experiencing problems with beavers or have questions, contact the MassWildlife Northeast District Office at (978) 772-2145 (M-F 7:30am to 4:00pm).

If the problem is not creating a threat to human health or safety (see definition below), you can apply to the Newton Conservation Commission for a permit to address the problem.

If you believe the problem is creating a threat to human health or safety (see definition below), you can apply to the Newton Health and Human Services Department for a 10-day emergency permit to address the problem. Click here to learn what you are allowed to do if the permit is granted, what to do if the permit if denied, and what to do if the 10-day emergency permit has expired and the problem has not been resolved. *Note that even with an emergency permit from HHS you may also need conservation commission approval.

Threats to human health or safety

M.G.L. c.131, s80A lists the following as threats to human health and safety:

1. Beaver or muskrat occupancy of a public water supply (in this case the Dept. of Environmental Protection must make the determination)
2. Beaver or muskrat-caused flooding of drinking water wells, well fields, water pumping stations, sewage beds, septic systems, sewage pumping stations, public or private ways, driveways, railways, airport runways or taxi-ways, electrical, gas, communication, or other public utility structures or facilities
3. Beaver or muskrat-caused flooding affecting the public use of hospitals, emergency clinics, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, fire stations, hazardous waste, incineration, or resource recovery facilities, or other facilities where flooding may result in the release or escape of hazardous or noxious materials
4. Damage (gnawing, chewing, entering, or other damage) to electric or gas facilities, transmission or distribution equipment, cable, alarm systems, or facilities caused by beavers or muskrats 
5. Beaver or muskrat-caused flooding or structural instability on the applicant's property, if it poses an imminent threat of substantial property damage or income loss of the following types: flooding of residential, commercial, or industrial facilities; flooding of or access to commercial agricultural lands which prevents normal agricultural practices from being conducted; and reduction in the production of an agricultural crop caused by flooding or compromised structural stability of commercial agricultural lands

For more information:

Information on beavers, their role in New England's ecology, and how to deal with beaver problems

How to prevent conflicts with beavers

Beavers & the Law: A Citizen's Guide to Addressing Beaver Conflicts