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GREENSBORO — For a brief moment, it seemed as if the buck-toothed rodents would be granted asylum.

But after a failed effort to change state laws managing beavers, the species has once again been relegated to the rank of undesirable.

That means one cruel reality for them: Greensboro’s proposed beaver management policy calls for euthanasia as the solution of last resort.

“We’re going to do everything we can,” said Allan Williams, the city’s water resources director. “We’re not going to kill the little buggers unless we have to.”

Like many cities, Greensboro has run up against the dam-building, tree-levelers.

Where beavers and public infrastructure meet — like in the Four Seasons Town Centre area or at dams — the rodents and their dens must go.

City leaders, pushed by veterinarian and Councilwoman Trudy Wade, advocated for a change in state law to allow the city to relocate beavers instead of the trap-and-kill method. But the legislation pushed by state Sen. Don Vaughan failed to get enough support.

Now, the city’s water resources department is proposing a new policy that recommends gradually increasing beaver-blocking methods.

Where water levels or tree damage are a concern, the city plans to use water-leveling devices or things like wire mesh on trees.

The city also will do its best to knock down dams, which could encourage the beavers to move along, as they previously have done in Latham Park and may have to do again after recent reports of a leveled crape myrtle.

State wildlife officials suggested that in one culvert frequented by beavers, the city could use a system that tricks beavers into thinking their dam has worked, while allowing water to flow.

But Williams said, “We really think there are limited applications where that would work.”

David Phlegar, who has been sorting out the beaver problems for the water resources department, said the beaver dam at that culvert was smaller than anticipated and concrete weir in the culvert would make it difficult to install the water leveler.

When beaver activity causes damage or a public safety threat — and all other options fail — the city will consider trapping and killing the animals.

“Under the laws of the state, you get to the point where all you can do is trap them,” Williams said.

Wade said the city’s hands are tied because of the General Assembly’s decision.

“It looks like they did everything they could not to bring the trappers in,” she said.

Wade, who is running for state Senate, said if she is elected, she hopes to help Vaughan work on that issue next year.

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com