Video: A look back at the beaver rescued from Hwy. 407 in Whitby

To highlight the efforts of their Animal Services team, Whitby has taken a look back at the rescue of a beaver from Hwy. 407.

Back in March 2021, the OPP contacted Whitby Animal Services to report a beaver was stranded on the road. The town dispatched Brianna, who has been working with Animal Services since 2019, to go save the animal.

The beaver was stuck in the westbound lanes on Hwy. 407 near Hwy 7. The little guy was trying to cross the road amid traffic. Luckily the OPP were able to shut the roadway down before the beaver was hurt, but it was up to Brianna and her partner to get him out of harm’s way.

The pair were able to quickly scoop the beaver up. They released him back at his den in a nearby river. The beaver seemed “extremely healthy,” the town wrote, and dived right back into the water toward “his next, and hopefully safer, adventure.”

Such beaver rescues are not unusual across the GTA. Last year, a baby beaver, called a kit, wandered away from his den and wound up alone in Mississauga. This little fella was only around three or four months old but had somehow gotten away from home. Beavers typically stay with their parents throughout their first year.

(Of course we’re running the picture again) – via City of Misssissauga

However, beavers are hardly the only critters that need the occasional rescue. Whitby reports Animal Services have also saved owls, deer, cranes, great blue herons, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, hawks, birds of prey, and even bears.

While it’s been a while since there was a bear to worry about in this neck of the woods, a black bear recently caused chaos on the far side of the GTA. The bear appeared near a school in Georgetown. He led Animal Services out there on a merry chase throughout the day on May 19. He was ultimately found in a tree that evening, tranquillized and released into the wild.

(Yeah, we got pictures of him too.) via Sara Jukel-Edson

“If you encounter wildlife that is sick or injured, poses a threat to humans or domestic animals, or displays signs or symptoms of rabies, do not touch or handle the animal, the town said, “Call 905-655-0283 extension four for around-the-clock emergency assistance.”