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"Dam-it" the Beaver
Dam-it (so named by the rehabilitator who cared for him) was found under one of the international bridges on the Rio Grande in El Paso.
He appeared to be suffering a serious puncture wound. He was taken to El Paso Animal Control and then transferred to C.D.W.R.
A veterinarian examined the animal and found that both pelvis bones were fractured. How the animal was injured is unknown, possibly he
tangled with one of the several irrigation gates along the river.
The vet sewed up the lacerations but decided to leave the bones to heal on their own. Dam-it then spent the next several weeks
recuperating in a back yard pen of the rehabilitator. He was provided with his own swimming pool and a balanced diet that included
willow branches. He was also given daily massage treatments to ease the pain in his back and legs. Never once did Dam-it threaten
to bite.
As Dam-it improved he started to yearn for his freedom and began to show signs of depression. Although he really needed more
time in captivity to recuperate, it was decided that it was probably in his best interest to go free so he was taken to a safer location on the Rio Grande
and released. The above photo shows Dam-it at the time of his release.
Warning! If you encounter an injured wild animal, call an experienced
person to remove it to the proper facilities for treatment. Due to pain and fright, any wild animal is going
to be more prone to fight and bite. If you must handle it, use heavy leather gloves or wrap the animal in
a thick blanket for protection. Call the local office of Animal Control, Fish and Wildlife, or a Wildlife Rehabilitation
Organization. They can direct you to further assistance.
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