Oregon Beavers can be predators in sports. Oregon beavers are no longer going to be predators under Oregon law.

As the new law says: Predatory animals do not mean: “Beavers.” And that means as of July 1, beavers can no longer be killed at will.

Beavers can still be “taken” under certain conditions. They can still be hunted for fur during hunting season. They can also possibly be killed for damaging plants or crops. But with the changes, it essentially means other tactics must be tried first. Electric fencing works particularly well at keeping beavers away, according to reporting by The Capital Press.

The new law is trying to find the right balance between allowing the large rodent to exist and allowing the population to be controlled. The law will need to be monitored to ensure it is getting that balance right.