Giant beaver captured at Phoenix-area lake, will eventually be released into wild

TEMPE, Ariz. – A giant beaver is on the mend after getting captured near a Phoenix-area lake this week.

The beaver drew the attention of joggers and onlookers in recent weeks at Tempe Town Lake because of its more than 40-pound size. Wildlife workers captured the animal with a net this week and took it to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, where the beaver will stay until it gets healthy again and is released back into the wild. The animal was lethargic when it came in.

Christina Tetreault said she was jogging with a friend around the lake on Jan. 7 when she spotted the portly critter. Tetreault said she called authorities who came out to check on the beaver, which had by then made its way back into the water.