Frigid Rescue in Lincoln
A beaver was rescued in Lincoln, Nebraska, after being discovered nearly frozen outside Mum’s Liquor store. Temperatures had dropped to two degrees below zero, and ice crystals were visible in the animal’s fur, leaving it immobile and disoriented. Lincoln Animal Control quickly transported the beaver to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab in Omaha, where it is being warmed and monitored before being released back into a suitable waterway.
Winter Challenges for Semi-Aquatic Mammals
Beavers are well-adapted to cold weather, but extreme conditions, like a polar vortex, can push them into urban areas. Frozen waterways prevent them from accessing food, and even their dense, oily fur can freeze, limiting mobility and increasing the risk of hypothermia. Stranded away from water, these animals may wander into neighborhoods in search of survival.
When to Step Back and Call Experts
Officials stress that wildlife should not be approached, even when in distress. Officer Denise Bollwitt advised residents to observe from a distance and contact animal control or wildlife rehab. “Do not approach it. Leave them alone,” she said, highlighting that trained professionals are best equipped to handle animals in freezing conditions safely.
