(IMAGE: The North American beaver, Castor canadensis (Stevehdc, Wikimedia Commons)
A Pair of North American Beavers are responsible for preventing an 8000-gallon diesel fuel spill from reaching the reservoir in Willard Bay State Park, which supplies Salt Lake City with water on the 19th of March, 2013. Both animals were soaked with the toxic fuel but recovered in the local Wildlife Rehabilitation Center according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
As of the 27th of March the pair were making good progress. They have been joined by a third beaver who was found sludge covered but is recovering well alongside the original pair, who are suspected to be siblings. They are all suspected to be orphans, as they are yearlings and beavers of this age group frequently live with their parents, but no adult beavers have been sighted at the spill site.
Sources
- Heroic Beavers Save Salt Lake City – MAR 21, 2013 10:09 AM ET // BY TIM WALL
- Salt Lake City’s Beaver Heroes Now Orphans – MAR 27, 2013 01:05 PM ET // BY TIM WALL