Two wild beaver kits have been born at Pensthorpe, marking Norfolk’s first wild beaver births in more than 500 years.
Two wild beaver kits have been born at Pensthorpe Natural Park in what is being described as an extraordinary moment for wildlife in Norfolk.
The reserve, near Fakenham, originally believed it was home to a single free-living beaver after the animal was first detected late last year.
However, continued monitoring using remote cameras later revealed a second adult, with footage showing the pair swimming and grooming together and living in a large lodge within Pensthorpe’s wetlands.
Camera traps have now provided another surprise by confirming the arrival of two young beavers, known as kits.
Pensthorpe says they are the first beavers known to have been born in the wild in Norfolk for more than 500 years.
Beavers were once widespread across Britain but were hunted to extinction by the beginning of the 16th century.
The origin of the adult pair at Pensthorpe remains unknown. The reserve says it did not introduce the animals and has been working with conservation experts to manage their presence responsibly.
The family is living in a secluded and inaccessible area of the reserve.
Pensthorpe is asking visitors not to search for the animals, with the exact location of their lodge being kept secret to protect their welfare.
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