Cornwall Wildlife Trust can confirm that marine strandings volunteers were called to Polzeath on Sunday morning after a deceased beaver was washed up on the beach. The beaver was taken for post-mortem examination.
The post-mortem findings indicate that it was a young female in poor body condition, with fluid in the stomach and gut, suggesting saltwater intoxication. Beavers cannot survive for long in saltwater environments, and it’s likely this animal entered the sea after becoming displaced from its usual habitat, at this stage unknown.
This is a rare and unfortunate incident, though something likely to happen on occasion as populations increase. Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been involved in carefully managed beaver projects for several years, alongside ambitious plans for licensed wild releases in Cornwall, and continues to monitor and support the health and welfare of Cornwall’s beaver population.
We are grateful to the Marine Strandings Network and local beach rangers for their assistance.
