-obvious blood or wounds

-unable to walk

-unable to swim

-cold and still

-injury to the tail

-closed eyes

-covered in bugs or maggots

-weak and thin

-other general signs of injury and illness

If the beaver or muskrat has been attacked by a cat, dog, or other animal, looks injured near a road, or shows any of the signs of injury and illness, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Signs that a beaver or muskrat is orphaned: Baby muskrats will be small and pink and need their mother to survive at this stage. Baby beavers will be more independent than muskrats, already having fur and able to swim. If a baby muskrat or beaver is alone without their mother and the mother does not return to retrieve the baby, the baby is weak or thin, if the baby shows any signs of injury or illness, or the mother is clearly dead, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.