Cash offered for humane beaver solution

Friday, August 6 2010, 10:43 BST
By Mayer Nissim, Entertainment Reporter

Officials in the Latvian city of Riga have offered residents the chance to win a cash prize for coming up with a way to tackle its beaver problem.

The capital has been plagued by a colony of the semi-aquatic creatures, which have been destroying the bushes and trees alongside its canal, AFP reports.

City spokeswoman Dzintra Abolina said: "We have no problems with the beavers. We have a problem with them felling trees.

"Maybe other cities and towns in the world could share their experiences on how to deal with this problem."

Head of the environment department Vjaceslavs Stepanenko added: "We are waiting for effective solutions to protect trees and bushes, but which at the same time would show a humane attitude toward the beavers."

Entries close on September 6 and the local parks and garden department is offering 300 lats (£350) for the best idea.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/odd/news/a256987/cash-offered-for-humane-beaver-solution.html