Beaver dams leave fish fighting for survival in Warmbad

Beaver dams have reduced water levels for fish in the Zillerbach stream in Warmbad, Villach, ORF reported on Thursday. The problem has been worsened by the stream’s low water level, leaving fish struggling to survive in the remaining pools.

A beaver settled in the Zillerbach and built several dams. The water is backing up behind them, while very little is reaching parts of the stream further downstream.

Residents raised the alarm, prompting the city of Villach to send public works employees to Warmbad at the weekend. Stefan Schober of Wasserbau Kärnten said the dams had been opened or removed as an immediate measure so that water could flow through again.

The city and the province have also agreed on further action, Schober said. The beaver is to be removed under a wildlife management order that has already been issued for the area, although the order still has to be implemented.

The authorities hope this will ease conditions in the Zillerbach. The key question will be whether enough water flows through the affected section after the beaver’s removal and whether the fish habitat recovers.