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Rescued near Marietta, Lancaster County, on Jan. 24, the beaver was so frail that rescuers barely had to restrain him. But when veterinarians at Companion Animal Hospital examined him, they discovered the horrifying reason why—he had been shot 14 times in the face.
BB-sized pellets were lodged in his skull and sinuses, shattering his left eye and leaving him permanently blind. The trauma caused a severe infection resistant to antibiotics, along with pneumonia, dehydration, and malnutrition.
"This was no accident—someone shot this beaver in the face intentionally and left him to suffer," Raven Ridge Wildlife Center said.
Despite the grim diagnosis, the beaver is fighting to survive. His recovery will be long and painful, with veterinarians working to manage his infections and assess the long-term impact of the lead still lodged in his head. A major concern is whether the lingering pellets will prevent a full recovery or lead to chronic complications.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is actively searching for the shooter, asking anyone who may have seen or heard someone firing at wildlife near Susquehanna Beach Island to come forward. The shooting is believed to have happened near a duck blind in the area.
Meanwhile, the community has rallied behind the injured beaver, raising over $5,000 in just two days to fund his care. Wildlife officials say the overwhelming support is giving him the best possible chance at survival.
"This beaver has already suffered unimaginable cruelty," Raven Ridge Wildlife Center said. "But thanks to the outpouring of support, he is getting a second chance."
Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to contact the PA Game Commission at 1-888-PGC-8001. Donations for the beaver’s medical expenses can be made through Raven Ridge Wildlife Center.
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