Beavers are back as UK farmer posts clip of cute kits 400 years after extinction

It's official – beavers are back in Britain 400 years after the the buck-toothed "eco-engineers" went extinct.

Farmer Derek Gow shared footage on Twitter on Friday showing a brand new set of Eurasian beaver kits enjoying a nighttime swim in a river with their parents.

The clip was recorded on Mr Gow's land at Coombeshead Park, Devon.

It follows similar sightings this week at Wild Ken Hill, near Heacham in Norfolk, which prompted ecologist Lloyd Park to hail "an historic moment" for the reintroduction of the species.

The dam-building rodents, which help prevent flooding and create habitats for other animals, went extinct in the UK 400 years ago due to hunting.

Mr Gow said the kits were just one of several litters at his farm.

The self-proclaimed 'rewilder' and author of book Bringing back the Beaver shared the footage and appeared to blast the government's management of the newly thriving population.

He said: "It’s ridiculous that the powers that be are making it so difficult and expensive.

"In the end they will not succeed. The beavers are expanding".

The UK government has not officially committed to bringing beavers back on a nationwide level, although last year Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said they were "firmly committed to providing opportunities to reintroduce formerly native species, such as beavers, where the benefits for the environment, people and the economy are clear."

Last month a group called Citizen Zoo announced it would bring a group to Tottenham, north London, in an attempt to 'beaver up' the capital.

It is required by law that you have a licence for releasing the animals because they are regarded as a non-native species.

As well as their famous ability to build dams in rivers for habitat, beavers are also known for being the second largest rodent in the world, and can hold their breath underwater for an astonishing 15 minutes.

Mr Park said: "Beavers are a vital link in restoring and regenerating our natural places, and in their short time here they have already made a significant impact on the landscape within their enclosure.

"Through their natural processes, we have seen increased water levels and changes to the woodland structure that provide opportunities for a host of other wildlife."

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