Chubby Beaver Has No Idea How He Got Stuck In This Fence

Rescuers lathered him up with soap to slide him through.

A young beaver, under 3 years old, was walking in someone's yard when he tried to go through an iron fence. He managed to get the front part of his body through just fine - but when he tried to pull through his hips and butt, he just couldn't quite make it.

chubby beaver gets stuck in fence
Hamilton Animal Services

The homeowners noticed the chubby little beaver and his predicament and immediately called Hamilton Animal Services to come and help. After assessing the situation, an animal services officer decided to use soap to lather up the beaver and slide him through the fence. The beaver seemed grateful to be free, and probably a little embarrassed that he hadn't shed his winter weight yet. Afraid he might be injured, rescuers then took the beaver back to the shelter until he could be transferred to Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge.

"The beaver wasn't aggressive and seemed to realize our team was there to help," Karen Edwards, an advisor with Hamilton Animal Services, told The Dodo. "We don't think he was there too long as he was in good body condition. There was something wrong with his hips though, as we believe he tried hard to get free and possibly hurt himself."

chubby beaver gets stuck in fence
Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge

Back at the shelter, the beaver was fed and given time to decompress, and was quite the sight amidst the typical cat and dog residents of the shelter.

"The beaver was only with us for a few hours until staff could leave work to transport him to the wildlife rehabber, and was left alone so we didn't cause him any stress," Edwards said.

chubby beaver gets stuck in fence
Hamilton Animal Services

Once the beaver was taken to the Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, staffers took him to be checked out and receive medical attention, so they could determine how long it would be before he could return back to his family in the wild.

"The beaver had X-rays and an exam done by our veterinary team from the Haldimand Animal Hospital, and it was determined he has no fractures or other bone/joint related issues," Chantal Theijn, founder of Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, told The Dodo. "There is, however, significant soft tissue damage in the form of contusions and swelling, which is painful and is preventing him from walking properly."

chubby beaver gets stuck in fence
Hamilton Animal Services

The beaver is currently receiving pain medication in order to treat his soft tissue damage. He's also taking regularly scheduled baths, which not only allow him to hydrate, but will also help to loosen up his stiff and sore muscles, according to Theijn. The baths are also just a lot of fun, and he seems to love swimming and splashing around.

"I expect the beaver will be ready for release in a week, but we have to ensure that he is fully mobile before we return him to his family," Theijn said. "Because beavers have a really tight bond with their family and the kits stay with their family up to three years, it is important for us to reunite the beaver with his family as he won't be able to survive on his own."

chubby beaver gets stuck in fence
Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge

For now, the little beaver will continue to receive treatment and plenty of bathtime, before he's finally ready to return to the wild.