02 August 2013

As If Bears Weren't Bad Enough

... now we have to worry about THIS?

Beaver Attack on Dog Prompts Warnings for University Lake

Ira Levinton was walking with his eight-year-old dog Mason at University Lake when he was attacked by a beaver on Wednesday, July 31, 2013.
BILL ROTH — Anchorage Daily News
A beaver attacked and injured a dog Wednesday morning at Anchorage's University Lake dog park, leaving several deep bite wounds in the dog's rump, its owner said.

City parks officials have warned users of the off-leash dog park about beavers in the past, and similar attacks in recent years have left dogs severely injured. Additional signs have again gone up around University Lake warning of a female beaver protecting its offspring, called kits, said municipal parks superintendent Holly Spoth-Torres.

"Activity has increased in the last couple years, the beaver-dog interactions," Spoth-Torres said.

Read the rest here.

6 comments:

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Alaskans are probably more aware of wildlife than in the rest of the country. I'm always amused by folks living in the Colorado foothills not realizing the cute deer in their yard is the main food source for lions. Or, not aware, lions also take domestic pets and are suspected of taking one small toddler a few years ago.

Rev. Paul said...

Agreed, WSF. It's hard not to be aware of wildlife when you have a few hundred pounds of live bruin in your driveway, or a thousand+ lbs of moose sleeping under your living room window. But you're right - most folks are unaware, and long-time Alaskans live for that moment when a newbie has their first "aha" encounter.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

"aha" moment. 1971, Lake Louise Lodge near Lander, WY. Walking from the dock to the Lodge, Condition White, realized there was a cow Moose just a few feet away. First moose I had ever seen. Didn't know what else to do, so kept walking. She just watched me, thankfully.

Rev. Paul said...

That would do it. :)

ProudHillbilly said...

Them things got biiiiig teeth!

Rev. Paul said...

Indeed, PH, as the referenced doggy found out. Ouch!