Just as we were thinking of putting away our Christmas decorations, we came across this supremely cute video that has reignited our joy of the Christmas season. The footage features a rascal of a little beaver who decided to repurpose Christmas decor and gifts into a makeshift dam … in the middle of a hallway.
Snatching Christmas themed items with the determination of the Grinch, the beaver uses everything in its little paws’ reach to build the dam. While the job begins slowly, with just a few little stuffed animals, the beaver soon sets its sights higher and steals the Christmas tree. The structure really begins to take shape after a large stuffed SpongeBob SquarePants doll is added to the mix.
We especially appreciated how the beaver stops to examine its work after each addition to the dam. She takes special care with her placement of the various items, which include wrapping paper, a throw rug, and a flip-flop. The little beaver even fixes parts that fall down, although she seems to give up when SpongeBob refuses to fold the way she wants.
It should be noted that this beaver is not being kept as a pet. The video was made by Holley Muraco of Woodside Wildlife Rescue, an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Mississippi’s at-risk animals. While Muraco did not provide this female beaver’s name, she explained that the beaver was orphaned and its dam and lodge were destroyed. Woodside Wildlife Rescue will rehabilitate the beaver for two years before reintroducing it into the wild.
Muraco wrote in the description:
“They need to have lots of opportunities to practice instinctive behaviors. This beaver enjoys playing this game inside the house, but lives with the other orphaned beavers outside most of the time. We hope you fall in love! This misunderstood and unique species needs lots of it!”
There are a plethora of videos on Holley’s YouTube channel, including a second video in which two beavers make a dam, featured below. While watching them work as a team is heartwarming, it’s just not quite as giggle-inducing as the one with the tree. Holley asks that those who enjoy her videos consider donating to support the work of Woodside Wildlife Rescue. Click here to learn more about their organization.