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'Barry' the beaver spotted in river at Durham's American Tobacco Campus

Employees at the American Tobacco Campus were surprised Monday morning to see a beaver swimming near the water tower.

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DURHAM, N.C. — Employees arriving to work at the American Tobacco Campus were surprised Monday morning to see a beaver swimming in the river near the water tower.

The beaver was spotted before 9:30 a.m. in the Old Bull River near the stage at the ATC water tower, close to shops, restaurants and offices.

It was unclear how the beaver got in the river, but ATC officials said animal control officers had been called and cautioned observers to keep their distance.

Security guards nicknamed the beaver Barry and said he was under the bridge near the water tower all morning. People were taking photos as they were cautioned to give the wild animal space.

"Barry" was still at ATC at noon, when WRAL News got video of the misplaced mammal. Security said animal control was delayed due to multiple calls.

Wildlife sightings in urban areas are unexpected, but they do occur.

In 2021, a black bear cub spent hours in a tree right outside UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh before it was coaxed down with Krispy Kreme donuts.

Falyn Owens, a biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, said it's almost always best to let things unfold naturally when you encounter a wild animal that appears to be in a predicament.

According to Owens, you should never approach a wild animal and should instead call on an expert for help.

Owens recommends taking a step back and, if possible, waiting nearby to see if the animal is okay.

“While you wait, you can call the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 for advice or use this interactive map to find a wildlife rehabilitator near you. Rehabilitators are often busy with wildlife already in their care, so don’t hesitate to leave a message and callback number," Owens said.

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