Beaver died from salt water intoxication - report

Polzeath Beach Ranger Service said pet owners should keep their pets away from stranded or dead animals

A dead beaver found washed up on a Cornish beach probably died because of "salt water intoxication" after coming too far downriver towards the sea, a pathology report has found.

Polzeath Beach Ranger Service, which discovered the animal on Sunday, said it was a "juvenile female" in poor condition, with a swollen belly caused by of large amount of liquid.

A spokesperson said: "We're guessing she came too far down the Camel River and Camel Estuary, not knowing a pushing tide will quickly [make the water salty] some distance past Wadebridge."

On Sunday, a beach ranger said the beaver was about 2.5ft (76cm) long and had no visible injuries.

Anyone discovering an injured or stranded animal on the coast should contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the spokesperson added.

Dead animals should be reported to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme.