In January, the staff at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center received an unusual call.
A family walking on the Northwest River Trail in Marietta reported seeing a juvenile beaver sitting alone on the bank of the Susquehanna, unbothered by the presence of people walking close by. When the family returned the next day, the animal was fixed to the same spot, seemingly in a daze.
The beaver had been shot, and now, Raven Ridge staff and game wardens are asking the public for help finding the person who shot it.
When Raven Ridge volunteers first arrived to care for the animal, they found it in “deplorable” condition, according to Raven Ridge founder Tracie Young. The animal was severely underweight with matted fur and fluid leaking from its eyes and nose.
“It took us two weeks just to get this beaver stable enough to take to a vet for a whole exam,” Young said.
When the beaver was X-rayed, the staff were surprised to find 14 bb-sized pellets lodged inside the beaver’s head. Young said pellets were found in its sinuses, causing severe infection. Another pellet had blinded the beaver in its left eye.
“I’m just so flabbergasted that someone would think this is okay,” Young said. “We are frustrated and angry, but we are also heartbroken.”
The center was advised by veterinarians not to remove the pellets as it could be too traumatic to survive. Some might be pushed out naturally by the beaver’s body, while others are likely to remain embedded in the animal.
This is only the second beaver the wildlife center has cared for since its facility opened in 2015, and the animal presents a unique set of challenges.
“The care for a beaver is pretty intense,” Young said. The animal requires fresh willow wood to chew on each day as well as several pounds of fruit and vegetables.
The center is currently working with three specialists in beaver rehabilitation to accommodate the unique needs of the animal and train volunteers on how to care for it.
“Our team here is just amazing,” Young said. “We are doing everything we can to make sure this beaver is as comfortable as possible.”
The road ahead
The beaver has made some progress since it was discovered. Young reported that the animal has regained several pounds, although it has a long way to go until it is considered healthy again.
The future is uncertain for this semiaquatic rodent. Raven Ridge staff are unsure if it will ever be able to return to the wild. If staff determine it cannot be released, the beaver could end up in one of the many animal sanctuaries that partner with Raven Ridge.
“Our priority right now is to make sure this beaver can live somewhat of a normal life without pain, discomfort or agony,” Young said.
In order to help with the cost of care for the animal, Raven Ridge has set up a fundraiser on the nonprofit’s Facebook page. Over $2,000 had been raised by Monday afternoon. Young said the money raised so far has covered the initial cost of medical treatment, but the ongoing cost of fresh food and willow wood is not cheap.
Young said she is happy to see support for the beaver and hopes someone will be able to come forward with information on who shot it.
“It was out there suffering for a while,” Young said. “I’m just so saddened by this. It’s unacceptable.”
Raven Ridge is working with local game wardens to identify any individuals who may have seen or heard the beaver being shot. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-888-PGC-8001.
Trapping beaver is legal in Pennsylvania, and this year’s season runs from Dec. 21 through March 31. It is, however, illegal to leave a wounded animal in the field.
