Geel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A hiker found a weak beaver during the day. The Wildlife Taxi Team brought it to VOC Neteland, where Lijske Vanheukelom reported the beaver may have been hit by a car and is under close observation.
Hikers saw a beaver walking during the day. Beavers usually come out at night and avoid people. The hikers were worried about the beaver and called for help. The Wildlife Taxi Team Midden-Kempen arrived quickly to assist.
They took the beaver to the VOC, a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Neteland. When they got there, the beaver was very weak and could not stand. The team wanted to make sure the beaver got the care it needed.
Will the injured Beaver recover and be released back to the wild?
At the rehabilitation centre, a veterinarian checked the beaver. They found no visible injuries, but the beaver looked weak. Lijske Vanheukelom from the VOC said the beaver was not lacking food, so it was not starving.
The vet thinks the beaver might have been hit by a car. He mentioned that the beaver is now under observation at the centre. Its recovery is being closely monitored by the staff. They are hopeful for its improvement.
He probably collided with a car or another vehicle, because he was certainly not malnourished,
says Lijske.
According to Lijske, the Beaver is still in a serious situation. It might have internal bleeding, which puts it in danger. The shelter staff hope it will get better, but they need to watch it closely. If all goes well, the beaver will be moved to the VOC Neteland shelter tomorrow. It will stay there for a few days for observation.
According to Caretaker Lijske Vanheukelom, being in a shelter is stressful for wild animals. The team is doing their best to keep the beaver comfortable. They want to release it as soon as it shows signs of improvement, like eating, drinking, and walking. Once it gets better, the beaver will be returned to the wild right away.
It remains a stressful situation for a wild animal to be in a shelter.
Lijske Vanheukelom, VOC Neteland.
According to officials, the beaver’s arrival at the Neteland shelter is a rare event. They do not often take in beavers. Lijske mentioned that she can count the beavers they have cared for on one hand. Last year, only 2 beavers came to the shelter. The team at Neteland is ready to help it. They hope the beaver will get better and return to the wild soon.
We do get a beaver sometimes, but I can count them on one hand,
says Lijske.
