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What to do if you find an injured or orphaned beaver in North Carolina
Help, I found a beaver! Do this FIRST
If you have found a beaver - especially a baby - act quickly, but carefully.
What to do RIGHT NOW:
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Contact us IMMEDIATELY! Call or text CWCC right away at 980-389-1133 (leave a voicemail)
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DO NOT FEED OR GIVE WATER
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Keep a distance and keep pets/people away
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Place animal in a dark, quiet, ventilated box (if instructed to do so by our hotline)
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Keep them warm and dry
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Limit noise and handling
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If you have found an injured or ill adult, be very mindful of their big powerful teeth.
What NOT to do:
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Do NOT feed the baby - it can lead to death
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Do NOT give water
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Do NOT place them back in the water - this can cause pneumonia or drowning
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Do NOT try to care for them overnight
Getting the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as quickly as possible is critical to giving them the best chance at survival and eventual release back into the wild.
When does a beaver need help?
Baby and juveniles do NOT leave their den unless something is wrong. If you find one alone - especially approaching people - it is likely orphaned and in need of help. This is an EMERGENCY!
Important safety information
Adults
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Be very mindful of their large, powerful teeth
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Injured adults may be disoriented or defensive
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only attempt containment if it is safe to do so
Handling
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Always use thick gloves (welding gloves if possible)
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Use a towel or blanket to guide them
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Place in a secure, ventilated container
Keep them in a dark, quiet, stress free environment until help arrives.
Beavers have powerful teeth and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Always use thick gloves or a towel to protect your hands and guide the animal safely into a secure, ventilated container.
Why are beavers showing up?
Adult beavers found outside of the water are often in distress. This can be caused by illness, poor water quality, habitat loss, toxic exposure (such as pollutants or oil), or injuries from vehicles.
What happens after you call?
1.
Our dedicated team of highly trained professionals will help you assess the situation. We will ask you basic questions like your location and the status of the animal.
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We will guide you step by step along the way and provide you with expert advice. You are NOT expected to handle this on your own!
3.
If we determine that help is needed for the animal, we will work with you to arrange care.
Beavers on your property?
IT IS ILLEGAL TO TRAP AND RELOCATE WILDLIFE IN NORTH CAROLINA
However, there are solutions to humanely evict the beavers or to live symbiotically with them. There is an organization, Beavers: Wetlands and Wildlife, that works directly with people to resolve human/ beaver conflict. You can contact (518) 568-2077.
Other resources are:
Why beavers matter!
Want to learn more about these amazing animals? Hop over to our blog where we dive deep into North Carolina beaver behavior, where they live, and how they shape our local environment!
Beavers are a keystone species, meaning their presence supports entire ecosystems.