A BEAVER kit separated from his parents after being caught by a dog is to spend up to two years at an animal shelter.

The three-month-old male was taken to a vet in Perthshire village Crieff by a member of the public after her pet caught him while out for a walk.

He is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross as staff prepare him for release.

However, the process is expected to take up to two years.

Staff have named the youngster Timber and centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Timber arrived into our care at only 10 weeks old after being caught by a dog on what could have been one of his first times out of the lodge.

“At such a young age he would have still been taking milk but has moved on to solid food in our care.

“Timber is the first beaver kit we have cared for at our centre in Fishcross so it’s very exciting.

“He will remain in our care for up to two years as this is the length of time beaver kits stay with their parents in the wild.

“After this they are able to find territories and partners of their own.

“We’ll release Timber back into the wild with the landowners’ permissions along with the appropriate licences once he is matured and ready.”