Mysterious beavers may have been released illegally

BEAVERS were a little too eager for a wildlife trust by moving in before their paperwork was complete.

- Paul Armstrong and Lauren Beavis

The eco-friendly rodents, whose dam work slows floods and boosts habitats, have mysteriously made themselves at home in Helman Tor, on Bodmin Moor.

Separately, Cornwall Wildlife Trust was about to apply for a government licence to legally introduce beavers.

However, the animals were one step ahead with at least one of the animals sighted and, given the extent of the activity spotted on cameras, there may be more than one.

Although it is possible the beavers arrived naturally, experts believe it more likely this was an illegal release by an unknown third party.

Cheryl Marriott, director of nature and people at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: "We know Helman Tor is highly suitable for beavers and that they would benefit other wildlife and help towards reducing flood risk further downstream.