Fellow Mortals--Compassion Changes Everything

Beaver babies, called 'kits,' are rarely seen in rehabilitation settings, as the babies remain under the watchful eye of parents and older siblings until they are at least one month old.

When we receive a report of a baby beaver alone--we know it's in trouble.

In early June, we got a call late one night about a baby that had been found alone in the Mississippi river--far from shore and with no beaver adults or lodge nearby.  The caller was smart about natural history and kept the baby warm and quiet overnight without providing food.

People often think that food is the most important thing for a baby; in fact, it can cause great harm to feed a starving or injured animal, as the body must use energy for digestion that is needed to keep vital organs functioning.

The little kit arrived the next day and, after rehydration and a monitored short bath in tepid water, was able to take fluids and has gradually been weaned onto a specific diet formulated for use in rehabilitation settings.  He/she is gaining weight and will soon graduate to a bigger pool.

Beaver are very social, and we have a yearling beaver already in care recovering from an injured leg.  Once the baby is older we hope to introduce the two in hopes that they will form a bond and can be released together.

Beaver rehabilitation requires a two-year minimum commitment, as beaver kits do not leave home until they are two years old and strong enough to build a lodge and store food to survive a winter.

As with so many of the animals brought to us for care, your gifts through Global Giving are helping to purchase the special and expensive formula needed to ensure this baby beaver grows well and strong.

Thank you!

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Links:

• Tips for wildlife first responders