A beaver, possibly mauled by dogs, is now in the care of Northern Lights Wildlife Society in Smithers after it was discovered severely injured at Scout Island in Williams Lake.
Scout Island Nature Centre manager Lara Roorda rushed to the area around noon on Sunday, March 29, after a friend called to report seeing the animal limping in the south beach area.
Efforts to find the beaver were heightened, as concerns arose that the injured animal could be harassed by a dog or bite someone if they got too close, such as a child.
Calls were made to the Conservation Officer Service and RAPP line; however, Roorda said she was told COs could not do much unless the animal posed a danger.
The next option was to contact the nearest emergency wildlife rescue to Williams Lake, Northern Lights Wildlife Society (NLWS), located more than 600 kilometres away.
Roorda called Sue Burton, a local wildlife volunteer, who is no stranger to helping transport animals. Last September, Burton assisted in moving an invasive snapping turtle named Travis from Williams Lake to an exotic animal rescue and sanctuary in Surrey.
Burton arrived at Scout Island with a crate and a large metal snow shovel.
The small group located the injured rodent chewing away in a grove of small aspen before successfully managing to herd it into the crate.
Roorda said the beaver appeared to have multiple serious injuries, with all but one of its legs affected. Its front left leg was severely damaged, “chewed up,” lacking fur and possibly infected, she said.
The beaver, alongside some of its sticks, was placed in a crate as a volunteer network took the reins in transporting the critically injured animal to NLWS.
Burton drove from Scout Island to Quesnel, where she met another volunteer who then drove the beaver to Prince George. From there, the beaver was handed off to another volunteer who made the final leg of the trip to Smithers.
“The good news is he’s still alive and has eaten all the sticks,” Roorda said of the young beaver on Wednesday, April 1.
While Roorda initially suspected the beaver’s injuries may have been caused by a coyote, NLWS later explained on Facebook that the animal had apparently been mauled by dogs, resulting in multiple injuries and wounds that were showing significant infection.
As of Thursday, April 2, the beaver was receiving antibiotic treatment and all visible wounds cleaned before a comprehensive examination involving sedation would take place to identify any additional injuries that may be hidden beneath the thick fur.
“This is a particularly delicate period in his recovery,” NLWS wrote on Facebook. “There is a need to closely monitor his overall condition and weigh it against the risks of underlying wounds that could still be festering out of sight. Every effort is being made to ensure his best chance at survival and recovery.”
In an email to the Williams Lake Tribune, Roorda said the emaciated beaver, believed to have been suffering for some time, is allowing staff to clean its wounds and is “eating and pooping.”
“It’s baby steps in the right direction,” Roorda said, as NLWS asked for healing thoughts and positive energy for the resilient beaver that faces a difficult road ahead.
Once the beaver is successfully stabilized and the extent of its injuries is determined and treated, Roorda said it has been indicated that the beaver could be sent to the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Summerland, which regularly takes care of beavers and has better access to aquatic areas during rehabilitation.
“I just hope they can nurse him to health and have another shot at things,” Roorda said, reminding pet owners at Scout Island to keep dogs on a leash.