In a unique legal case unfolding in Massachusetts, the fate of Nibi, a 2-year-old beaver, hangs in the balance. The dispute centers on whether the rescued animal should remain with her caretakers or be released into the wild as winter approaches.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a judge ruled that Nibi could temporarily stay at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, northwest of Boston. A hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 4, to address the lawsuit filed by the rescuers against MassWildlife, the state's division of fisheries and wildlife.
The case has sparked widespread public interest, with an online petition garnering over 25,000 signatures. Even Governor Maura Healey has pledged to ensure Nibi's protection. Attorney Adam Teper, representing the rescuers, expressed amazement at the global support for the beaver.
Jane Newhouse, founder and president of the rescue group, shared Nibi's story. The beaver was found as a baby on the roadside approximately two years ago. Attempts to reunite her with potential parents or bond her with other beavers were unsuccessful. Newhouse expressed concerns about releasing Nibi, stating, "It's very difficult to consider releasing her when she only seems to like people and seems to have no interest in being wild or bonding with any of her own species."
At the rescue center, Nibi enjoys a large enclosure with a pool and has free run of the facility. Newhouse describes her as a "spoiled rotten" and beloved "diva" beaver. The rescue team had hoped to obtain a permit for Nibi to become an educational beaver, allowing visits to schools and libraries. However, MassWildlife denied this request and ordered her release.
Newhouse fears that releasing Nibi into the wild would be detrimental, as the beaver lacks survival skills. "It doesn't give her much time how to figure out how to build a lodge for the first time, how to build dams for the first time, how to store all of her food before winter sets in," she explained.
Beavers, the largest rodents in North America, typically leave their parents between the ages of 2 and 3. This fact gives Newhouse hope that Nibi might show more interest in wild behavior over the next year. However, unless that happens, the rescue team is determined to keep her safe.
The case raises important questions about wildlife rehabilitation and release practices. Beavers are considered a keystone species due to their significant impact on ecosystems. They can live up to 10-12 years in the wild and possess remarkable adaptations, such as the ability to hold their breath underwater for up to 15 minutes and transparent eyelids for underwater vision.
As the legal battle continues, Nibi's story has shed light on the complexities of wildlife conservation and the strong bonds that can form between humans and animals in rehabilitation settings.
"She loves her life here. She's spoiled rotten, and she's got lots of room to run around and her own little pond, all the food, fruit, veggies, nuts, berries she wants."
The outcome of this case could have implications for future wildlife rehabilitation efforts and policies regarding the care and release of rescued animals.