Beavers build dams instinctively. Even if they’ve never seen another beaver build a dam, they still have a need to do it, whether it’s realistic or not. However, beaver cubs usually stay with their parents for the first two years of their life, so they can learn a lot during that time.
Sadly, a baby beaver named Nibi was separated from his family when he was about a week old. Humans took her in and helped her recover, but they couldn’t compete with the comfort of other beavers. So they want to reunite Nibi with wild beaver as soon as possible.
Beaver cries for her family
When Nibi was just a week old, someone spotted her walking on a busy road. They contacted Newhouse Wildlife Rescue to warn them about a baby beaver in danger. The rescue brought Nibi in without hesitation, giving her the care she needed.
After several days of recovery, Nibi’s rescuers managed to reunite her with her family. They took her to a nearby beaver dam in search of other beavers, and Nibi wept for her family. However, even with Nibi’s pleas, no beaver appeared.
“We have been working hard over the next few days to try to reunite her. But reunions with beavers are rare,” said Jane Newhouse. “We went to the nearest beaver dam and let it squeal, then waited to see if any beavers came, but none came.”
Nibi was too young to return to the wilderness without her family by her side, so the rescue team vowed to take care of her until she was ready to venture out into the wild on her own. They predict that it will be about two or three years until then. So they’re helping her make the most of her life while being rescued while she’s there, but they’re trying not to get too attached. They wanted to make sure she could survive without human assistance in the wild.
Nibi impresses her rescuers
Newhouse and the other volunteers worked hard to ensure that Nibi felt comfortable and satisfied when she was rescued. It didn’t take long for them to discover how smart the little beaver was. She loves to play with dog toys, but every now and then, she goes into work mode. The little beaver had never seen a beaver build a dam, but he knew it was what he had to do.
In working mode, Nibi collects sticks and uses them to build dams. In the wild, beavers often build dams underwater, but Nibi is eager to build dams wherever possible. She often sets them up in front of the door when she rescues. She always keeps her sticks separate from her toys, it’s likely she’ll separate her playtime and work.
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No matter how much the Nibi rescuers love her, they refuse to let their emotions get in the way of what’s best for her. If she seems willing to return to the wild in the future, they will gladly let her do it.
“Ultimately, I don’t want to see her surrounded for the rest of my life. I wanted her to be in the pond and be able to cut down trees,” Newhouse said. “So it’s about loving her selflessly and knowing that this is the best thing for her. But it would certainly be heartbreaking.
See Nibi’s journey here:
