Fears jet skiers have been chasing beavers
A heritage body is urging anyone who spots people harassing beavers anywhere in Perthshire to report the incident to police immediately.
NatureScot made the plea after confirming it received a complaint about people pursuing the protected species while riding jet skis on Loch Tay late last year.
The agency alluded to the incident in its response to a company’s recent application to modify a condition attached to its planning consent to build a new waterpark at Taymouth Marina.
Strathtay Developments has asked Perth and Kinross Council to consider changing the condition so power boats and jet skis can be moored at the marina as its managers believe the change is required to make the project“financially viable”.
NatureScot said in its response:“We have received anecdotal information that existing jet ski users on the loch have been seen chasing beavers.”
And asked to expand on its statement, a spokesperson told the PA last week the agency received a complaint about jet skiers pursuing beavers on the loch last October.
The spokesperson added:“Beavers are a European Protected Species so it is an offence to disturb them.
“If anyone has concerns about beavers being disturbed – or any other local wildlife – please call the police on 101 and ask to speak to the police wildlife liaison officer.”
NatureScot has asked Strathtay Developments to provide more information about what it proposes to do at the marina should the council be minded to make the change to its planning consent before it decides whether or not to maintain a holding objection to the application being passed.
The agency has also advised the company to consider preparing a code of conduct it could apply at the marina“to safeguard the character of the loch and inhibit adverse ... impacts arising”.
However NatureScot has also said it is not its job to make sure people follow any code drawn up by Strathtay Developments.