Something Wild
We are a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, conserving, and researching animals in need. Something Wild manages a permitted wildlife rehabilitation program and 35 acres of wilderness habitat in rural Hancock County, Mississippi.
Our social media presence allows us to showcase the daily lives of our amazing animals on their own terms. Follow us for daily updates on Tulip, Blossom, Sprout and Stormy Rose.
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About Our Foundation
Our Work
The state of Mississippi permits us to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife, and we specialize in North American Beavers. Beavers are classified as a nuisance species in many US states, including Mississippi. We believe that through social media, public outreach, education, and research, humans can learn to live side-by-side with these amazing ecosystem heroes. We also provide a home for all needy animals, including rescued parrots, dogs, cats, and reptiles.
The Beaver Sanctuary
Beavers require complex care, housing, time and labor to be successfully rehabilitated for release into the wild. Even once they are ready to be released, finding a safe area in Mississippi where they won’t be killed is a challenge. For this reason, all rescued beavers will be released on our private property.
We have recently expanded to be able to help a greater amount of beavers live full, happy lives free from harmful human impact and protect Mississippi’s critical wetland ecosystems.
Who we are
The Muraco family have dedicated their life to animal rescue and everyone works to fulfill the Something Wild mission. Together with our invaluable supporters and volunteers we strive to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Mississippi’s native wildlife, with a special focus on the North American Beaver. Through our commitment to research, conservation and outreach, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for all of Mississippi’s wildlife. Supporting healthy ecosystems and wildlife helps to better human lives in tangible ways.
Our Approach to Safeguarding Rescue Beavers
To accomplish our mission, we have developed a 3-phase program.
Phase1
We have built a protected, fenced area with 360° enclosures serving the special requirements for orphaned and/or sick beavers to grow up and/or recover from illness. The typical timeframe for beavers to live in these fully protected enclosures is 2 years.
Phase 2
A pond has been designed and built along with approximately 3 acres of natural habitat when the beavers are ready for a “soft release”. This area will remain somewhat protected, a lodge will be provided along with daily food provisions. Beavers will live in this area until they show proper instincts and predator avoidance behaviors.
Phase 3
Full release into The Beaver Sanctuary land. Beavers will be released on the 2-acre pond with adjoining wetlands. A lodge will be provided for the beavers to use until they build their own home. Beavers will be tagged, monitored and studied for the purpose of better understanding behavior, territory behavior and changes to the ecosystem. We will use this opportunity to test and showcase non-lethal mitigation techniques such protecting important trees with wire and implementing pond leveling devices. We are currently still in need of a fence for the pond area to ensure the beavers’ safety after release.
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All your donations are tax-deductible and not only allow us to care for Tulip, Blossom, Sprout, Stormy Rose and all the other animals of Something Wild but also helps to fund important research initiatives we are developing to help us understand this adorable animals. Please follow along with Holley Muraco at Something Wild on YouTube to stay up to date with our latest projects.
Conservation Research
Under the direction of Dr. Holley Muraco, a conservation research program will be developed for the purposes of studying the ecological role that beavers play in coastal environments, movements, social behavior and physiology. Additionally, beaver veterinary medicine, husbandry care, growth and development, vocalizations, and nutritional studies will be conducted.
Petunia Heart Project
Orphaned baby beavers are fragile. We learned this all too well from the loss of our precious baby Petunia in 2024. Although we will never know, we suspect that he had an underlying heart condition. This made us realize that basic beaver heart rates are not known, and the Petunia
Heart Project was launched. A research program will be developed to monitor and record beaver heart data for publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you come to my property and remove beavers?
No. We are not licensed trappers.
How can we stop beavers from damaging our property?
Do you offer tours or visits to the sanctuary?
Not at this time. We are developing a program for the future!
Do you take volunteers?
We are currently expanding and looking for dedicated volunteers willing to assist with renovation, clean-up and animal. Please email [email protected] for more information
Do you offer internships?
Under certain circumstances. Email [email protected]
Why is a beaver sanctuary needed?
Beavers are classified as a nuisance species in the state of Mississippi. This means that beavers can be killed anytime on private lands. There is also a trapping and hunting season on public lands. As a wildlife rehabilitation organization located in Mississippi, there are significant challenges in finding a safe place to release beavers. We purchased our rural property to have a safe place to release the beavers and also conduct studies to help people understand how to co-exist with beavers.
Can you take beavers to other states or countries to release them?
Due to numerous state and federal laws, it is illegal to transport beavers across state or country lines. We do support the idea that beavers trapped as nuisance animals in Mississippi could be released onto properties that need them in other states. Currently there is no legal way to do so.
How can I help Something Wild?
If you want more content on the daily lives of the North American beaver please subscribe to our YouTube, or if you want more behind-the-scenes content consider joining our Patreon!
If you would like to support us more directly you can donate directly on the website or via Paypal or Venmo. Every penny helps
How can I support beaver research?
Dr. Muraco is building a research program involving beavers through Mississippi State University. You can help by donating to her Foundation. Email [email protected]
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