If you come across a beaver in trouble, there are a few things that you can do to help. First, try to determine what is wrong. Many times, the beaver will be stuck in mud or ice, and all you have to do is help free it. If the beaver appears to be injured, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
What to do if you find a beaver in trouble
If you find a beaver that appears to be in trouble, there are a few things you can do to help. First, make sure the animal is truly in need of assistance. Beavers are proficient swimmers and often build their homes in ponds or other bodies of water.
If the beaver is swimming or otherwise moving around normally, it is likely not in distress and does not need your help. However, if the beaver is stranded somewhere or appears to be injured, you can contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
It's very important to stay safe when handling a beaver. In fact, it's best to avoid handling a beaver at all. For a safe rescue attempt, beaver should be handled with a trap pole, long sleeves, and heavy gloves. Beavers can carry distemper, rabies, and more, so be safe when you rescue. Beaver belong in nature.
If you're not comfortable approaching a beaver, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist. They'll be able to work with an adult or baby beaver, and even provide solid food for young ones. In no time, a rescued beaver will be back to building dams, swimming through vegetation, and collecting sticks.
How to help a beaver get back to the water
If you find a beaver that appears to be stranded on land, there are a few things you can do to help. First, make sure that the beaver is actually stranded and not just resting on land before building dams again. Beavers will often rest on land for short periods of time, so it's important to determine whether or not the beaver is truly in need of assistance.
If the beaver does appear to be stranded, you can gently try to chase it towards water. But, keep your distance, as beavers can carry both distemper and rabies, and can even become aggressive. If it's showing signs of aggression, it's better to stay away.
What NOT to do if you find a beaver in trouble
Beavers are one of the most commonly displaced animals in North America. If you find a beaver that seems to be in trouble, it's important to know what NOT to do. First, DO NOT attempt to rescue the beaver yourself. Beavers are large, wild animals and can be dangerous when cornered. No one keeps a "rescue beaver" at home in their very own pond: they're wild animals!
Second, DO NOT try to handle the beaver yourself. Beavers are very territorial and will often become aggressive if approached. This will only stress the animal and could lead to injury or death.
The best thing to do if you find a beaver in trouble is to contact your local wildlife authorities and let them handle the situation.
What to do if you see beaver dams
Beaver dams? Pretty cool. Dams are best admired at a distance, so that you don't disturb the beavers hard at work. Building dams is natural for both adult and baby beaver, so be sure to enjoy the show! A beaver will build dams just about anywhere it can, because it uses natural building material near water to do so. You may spot a beaver using its webbed paws to swim in rivers above or below a dam site.
Beavers are beautiful creatures; if you want to support them, you can visit your local zoo or conservation center to learn more about their damns, young, or the house that they build.
The cutest rescued beaver you'll ever see
Beave's parents didn't intend to adopt a beaver, but I'm sure glad they did! Check out these videos about Beave and his unique little dam. He outstrips all other beavers for adorableness!
