Might be a dumb question? Do beaver generally climb up the bank and then only use slides as they go down or do they use them up and down?
Also, trying to eliminate a problem beaver and think I found it’s bank den. Bank den entrances generally above water or below the water line for entrance? I assume that’s not very safe for beaver in areas that generally freeze solid if they’re stuck above the ice with an open entrance.

1. Beavers go up and down those runs.
2. I’d stay away from the house. Look for paths/runs instead of setting the house
3. Find an experienced trapper in your area and get some pointers on taking them

They are fantastic climbers and will generally go where they want. Setting slides are a good bet...set up and wait for a couple of days. If no catch...try dribbling a bit of sac oil on the slide.

This is the approach I just completed. Set a couple snares on a beaver/mountain goat looking trail and waited. I was impressed by their climbing ability. That trail was near vertical. After 2nd check, I added a a shined up twig with some of slims mud pie frosting and had a big fat beaver on check 3.

1st. There’s NO dumb questions in life. You are seeking education! Which is a smart thing.

2nd. They Go both ways on a slide. So ,,many of us blind set a large foothold, offset 3 to 4 inches,, bout a Ft from shore or drop off , then hang snares along the trail every few feet.

A blind set where they exit the water is also deadly!