Grand Junction Beavers Are Being Trapped: Here's Why

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has discovered a few busy beavers damaging Grand Junction’s cottonwood trees and blocking waterways at the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park – Connected Lakes.

The Grand Junction park is home to some of the city’s largest cottonwoods, and the beavers have already done a number on a couple of sections, so CPW spent most of the week of October 12 rounding them up to be euthanized.

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What Is Happening at Connected Lakes?

Beavers Are Being Removed From This Popular Grand Junction Park — Canva Pro

Fall is a beautiful time to walk through the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park Connected Lakes. Cottonwoods reach skyward, fall colors line the trails, and you may even see a few eagles high in the trees, especially as fall becomes winter.

If you have visited the park in October, you may have noticed some beavers damaging the cottonwoods and blocking waterways. You may have also noticed beavers caught in traps. Colorado Parks and Wildlife started collecting the beavers the week of October 12, according to a KKCO report. You may see the collection continue for a little while longer.

Why Beavers Are Being Removed and What Happens to Them

Beavers love chewing trees and building dams to change waterways. At Connected Lakes, CPW is very happy with the current setup, but the beavers won’t listen. Before they damage anything else, they’ll be trapped, transported to the Fruita section of the State Park, and euthanized. The beaver’s remains are used for wildlife officer training and educational programs.

What Connected Lakes Visitors Should Know

If you happen to visit the park and encounter a trap, CPW says not to touch it. Releasing a trapped beaver is unlawful and can cost you a $100 fine and possible hunting or fishing license suspension points (Colorado Revised Statutes Section 33-6-203). Connected Lakes opens daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you have questions about the beavers or the traps, contact the park office at 970-434-3388.

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