Lost and ‘disoriented’ beaver rescued from Denman Island barn

A confused beaver was rescued from a barn on Denman Island by MARS Wildlife Rescue. (Courtesy: MARS)

Wildlife rescuers were tasked with a rare job on a northern Gulf Island in February when they were called to the aid of a lost and confused beaver, sheltering in someone’s barn.

Wildlife rescue centre MARS, located just north of Courtney, rescued the rodent, more likely to be seen on the shores of Stanley Park at this time of the year, from a home on Denman Island Feb. 24, the organization said in a post to its social media.

The stray mammal was found “very disoriented,” was “pretty out of it,” and was transported to the wildlife hospital so he could be given a thorough medical check, said MARS’ Niamh Carroll-Marsh in the post.

Despite the dangerous adventure he would have likely taken to wind up fo far away from his natural habitat, the young beaver showed no signs of any serious health concerns but did have minor scratches and cuts. Small injuries, says Carroll-Marsh, that showed he might have come across unwanted company on his journey.

“This leads us to the possible conclusion that he got into a bit of a scrap with a fellow beaver, and was chased out of that area,” she said.

“Being stuck on land and in a new place can be very disorienting, especially for a beaver without a dam.”

The solo traveller was released back into the wild after just four days of observation, after his hydration levels were stabilized, his parasite load was checked and it was determined he showed no other signs of trauma.

“Although we loved having him in care, a quick turn around like this is fantastic, and he sure did love to destroy his pools and water bowls,” said Carroll-Marsh.