Staff at the Hawk and Owl Trust have shared adorable footage of a baby beaver at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve in Norfolk.
The youngster was filmed investigating food – including apples and carrots – placed on the floor to guide it into a humane trap, offering the team the chance to take a close look at its early development.
These checks are part of the Hawk and Owl Trust's licensed beaver management programme, designed to safeguard the wellbeing of the animals and maintain a thriving population on the reserve.
- Beaver fart caught on night cam in Cornwall
- Adorable beavers filmed frolicking in Lincolnshire river
“Each beaver was safely and humanely trapped before undergoing a thorough health assessment by an experienced wildlife veterinarian," says Adrian Blumfield, operations director at the Hawk and Owl Trust.
"The examination included monitoring body condition, checking for injuries or signs of illness, and confirming that the animals are thriving in their environment.
“As part of the process, the beavers were microchipped, enabling individual identification and long-term monitoring of health, movements and ecological impact. We will continue to support these remarkable ecosystem engineers and help them thrive at Sculthorpe Moor.”
Beavers play a vital role in shaping wetland habitats. Their dams slow water, reduce flooding, improve water quality and create rich homes for other species, including amphibians, fish, birds and invertebrates.
- Britain's rarest animal species
- What's the most common mammal in Britain?
- What is Britain's biggest predator?
More wildlife stories from around the UK
