Tory MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the Scottish Government to launch an inquiry into whether beavers exacerbated the flooding in Alyth.
The town centre was devastated last Friday when the burn burst its banks, flooding homes and businesses.
Mr Fraser has written to environment minister Aileen McLeod stating: “The Scottish Government has an important decision to make on the reintroduction of the beaver throughout Scotland and they must take a thorough look at the flooding in Alyth before making any decision.
“The devastated residents in Alyth who have lost homes and businesses deserve answers as to why their town has been flooded so badly.
“Trees felled in the Den of Alyth, and poor drainage, are perhaps as much to blame as gnawed wood from beavers but until there is definitive evidence to prove beavers are not at fault it would be unwise for the government to rubber stamp their reintroduction throughout Scotland.”
A temporary footbridge will be installed next week to help residents in Alyth’s Springbank area.
The new crossing will replace one that was extensively damaged during Friday morning’s chaos.
The town’s museum has been forced to close until further notice after suffering substantial damage.
The museum collections survived but the building was badly hit.
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart praised a fundraising effort which has raised more than £1,000 online to help the community.