Injured beaver kit a first for SSPCA
Cutie found in Strathearn renamed Timber
A 12- week- old beaver kit found near the Earn between Crieff and Comrie is currently in the care of the Scottish SPCA.
The injured youngster is the first of its kind that the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross has cared for.
He was discovered by a Crieff resident while out on a walk. The kit appeared to have been caught by a dog and was having difficulty walking. The woman took him to Crieff Vets, who checked him over and named him Justin (Beaver) – in a nod to the Canadian pop star.
They then alerted the SSPCA, who have since renamed him Timber, and he is now on the long road to rehabilitation at the rescue centre.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Timber arrived into our care at only 10 weeks old after being caught by a dog on what could have been one of his first times out of the lodge!
“At such a young age he would have still been taking milk but has moved onto solid food in our care.
“Timber is the first beaver kit we have cared for at our centre in Fishcross so it’s very exciting.
“He will remain in our care for up to two years as this is the length of time beaver kits stay with their parents in the wild. After this they are able to find territories and partners of their own.
“We’ll release Timber back into the wild with the landowners permissions along with the appropriate licences once he is matured and ready.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.