An animal control officer carries the disoriented beaver to his truck. (Nader Khouri/Staff)
MARTINEZ -- One of the Alhambra Creek beavers was rushed to an animal hospital Thursday, hours after one of the animals squeezed through a small opening in a wire mesh filter that was being placed in the creek.

The disoriented beaver was taken to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek about 2 p.m., according to Sherrill Cook, museum director of external affairs.

Cook said the male beaver, which is one of the kits, or babies, is blind, but the veterinarian does not know how long it has been unable to see or whether the condition is reversible.

She said an examination revealed that the beaver has a nervous system disease, a mild infection and may have a kidney problem.

However, Cook said X-rays and initial blood tests did not reveal any obvious injuries.

"The animal is very sick," Cook said, adding that the beaver will remain hospitalized indefinitely while a lab performs more-extensive blood tests. The test results should be back in two days, Cook said. In the meantime, the beaver is receiving antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.