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Michigan Condo Association, Family of Beavers in the News

A Michigan condo association and a family of beavers were recently in the news.

The beavers were deploying foliage that was blocking a drainage pipe in a pond situated near other bodies of water around the condo homes. Some residents were concerned that water would overflow from the one pond, cascade into other ponds and streams and possibly cause flooding in the condo community.

According to the story on MLive, the beavers were being "threatened with eviction..." But an area resident had "discovered a state hunting law that requires hunters and trappers to get permission from any neighbors or residents living within 450 feet of the proposed hunting site." The local resident "said he and other neighbors have removed the dams the beavers build...to remove the threat of flooding." While he "and some neighbors welcome the beavers, others on the association board" were worried.

The president of the association explained in the story that the association was waiting to hear about options regarding the beaver family from the state Department of Natural Resources.

From a PR perspective, this is an emotional issue. Emotions come into play when animals are involved. So in situations like this, doing research and weighing options, as was being done in this case, can be very important.

And this, too, about PR in the book, At Least Some PR. When the phone rings and there's a reporter on the line, buying some time to weigh matters can be helpful. Perhaps by saying to the reporter -- "I'll need to get back to you." While this may -- or may not -- work, depending on a reporter's deadline, buying time can provide an opportunity to consider options for addressing situations, issues and concerns.

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