Pair of released beavers on Exmoor may start a new family

National Trust rangers monitoring the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor have recorded two beavers, released in February, grooming each other on trail-camera footage, a behavior that points to a pair bond. This release marks the Trust’s second wild introduction on its property and the third such effort across England. Ranger Mathieu Burtschell described the sighting as encouraging, noting that the animals appear to have found adequate habitat, food and space to establish a territory.

Beavers typically live in small family groups centered on a breeding pair, and their dams and canals can create valuable wetland habitats. The Trust is observing the pair to see if they remain together and eventually start a family, which would help expand the beaver population on the 5,000-hectare estate. Their nocturnal activity is primarily documented through the trail cameras, offering insight into their settlement patterns.