Nature never fails to delight. Creatures both big and small lead lives that are endlessly fascinating to us, which is probably why nature documentaries are so popular, and also why Sir David Attenborough has hordes of fans.
When an injured baby beaver was recently found floundering far away from its natural habitat, the folks who spotted it sprang into action to see what could be done to save it. And so began a heartwarming story with a very happy ending indeed.
A baby beaver was found far from its natural habitat and didn't seem to be doing very well at all
Image credits: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center / Facebook
The little animal was rushed to a wildlife rehab center, but her condition was too poor for them to do much
Early last month, the folks at Loudoun County Animal Services in Virginia came across a young beaver in an open field quite some distance from her natural habitat. When they approached her, they noticed that she was listless and unable to escape, behavior that was uncharacteristic and instantly concerning.
The indolent little creature let the animal control officers scoop her up without any drama, and they rushed her to Kristi’s Caring Hands Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education (KCHWRE). When KCHWRE examined her, though, they realized she was too ill for their care, so she was transferred to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) for prompt treatment.
Image credits: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center / Facebook
In a race against time, the rehab staff rushed her to a wildlife center for immediate treatment
Once she arrived, the team gave the sick animal a meticulous medical exam and discovered that she was likely suffering from pneumonia and internal injuries. “On admission, our veterinary team noted that she was weak with labored breathing,” BRWC wrote on Facebook. “[X-rays] indicate pneumonia or fluid from near-drowning as well as trauma on the left side.”
The team at BRWC was devastated to learn the full extent of the baby beaver’s injuries but quickly set out to help her recover. “We’re providing supportive care and monitoring her closely, doing everything we can do to give her a second chance,” BRWC wrote.
Image credits: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center / Facebook
The baby beaver’s condition was serious, but fortunately she had a whole gang of caregivers determined to fight for her survival. And, while she didn’t have the words to express her gratitude, the look on her face spoke volumes. “She looks like she’s smiling,” commented Erin Hurst Edwards Anastasiou.
Image credits: blueridgewildlifectr / Instagram
By the following week, her condition had improved drastically, and her caregivers were rewarded with a heart-melting baby beaver smile
“We suspect this youngster (likely last year’s baby) was flooded out of their dam, or may have even experienced a dam collapse, considering the injuries and being found wandering in the middle of an open field,” wrote BRWC.
Image credits: Blue Ridge Wildlife Center / Facebook
With BRWC’s careful attention, the lucky little creature’s condition continued to improve until her prognosis was no longer grievous. Fortunately, her pneumonia cleared, and her injuries healed within a month. All that remained was the task of preparing her for her eventual release, which is when Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke (SWVWCR) got involved.
Just one month after her miraculous rescue, the adorable chiseler was transferred to SWVWCR, where she’s been flourishing in the company of other rescued beavers. While she’s not quite ready to be released just yet, she’s getting healthier by the day, and the team looking after her is confident she’ll be able to get back to her natural habitat sooner than later.
The cute little critter is now thriving in the company of other rescued beavers and will be released back into the wild once she’s deemed to be strong enough
