Beavers were considered extinct in Luxembourg for about 200 years after they were hunted for their fur, flesh and geil, a glandular secretion said to have healing effects.

They have slowly been returning thanks to reintroduction projects in Belgium, Germany and France in the 1980s and 1990s. From the age of two, beavers are driven out of their homes to seek new habitats. Because young beavers can walk between 20 and 40 kilometres, some have established new homes in Luxembourg.

According to the ministry, there are 39 known sites. But there could be more. During the summer sites, beavers eat herbaceous vegetation instead of felling trees so these new sites often remain undiscovered until the autumn.

This is why the ministry is appealing for the public’s help. Anyone who thinks they may have found a beaver site, should contact the ministry by emailing [email protected] or by calling (+352) 621 202 182.

Click here to find out more about the Eurasian beaver.

These creatures closely resemble the nutria, a species which his often found in water. You can find out more about the nutria here.