Beaver 'bludgeoned to death' on Millennium Trail in Whitehorse

A mature beaver was found dead on Whitehorse's Millennium Trail on Thursday, and appears to have been bludgeoned to death, says Environment Yukon. 

The beaver was found about 100 metres downstream from the fish hatchery on the Riverdale side of the trail, near a beaver lodge.

Environment Yukon Conservation officers are investigating a case of animal cruelty.

"We received the call around 4 p.m. yesterday," said conservation officer Ken Knutson.

"It looks like this poor animal had been bludgeoned to death."  

Knutson said the beaver was likely feeding in the area before someone hit it on the head several times. The weapon is believed to be a "big piece of alder." 

"I can't imagine what kind of person would do something like that," Knutson said. 

Environment Yukon won't know the sex of the beaver until it does a necropsy next week, but Knutson says if it were female, it could have kits in a den that may not survive. 

Environment Yukon is asking anyone with information to call a tipline at 1-800-661-0525 or report it through their website. 

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to kill a beaver without a permit.