Beaver bite led to death of fisherman in Belarus

The man bled to death while on a fishing trip with friends

12:57 12 April 2013

A fisherman has died after being bitten by a beaver in Belarus. The man, who bled to death, was bitten by the animal as he attempted to take its photo while on a fishing trip.

Whilst with friends at Lake Shestakov, the fisherman spotted the beaver on the road and edged over to it to take a photograph. Based on reports, the beaver bit the man on his leg.

As a result of the beaver bite, it is understood the man died from losing too much blood as his artery was struck - as reported by Sky News.

It is believed that his friends attempted to save his life but tragically, the fisherman died as a result of his wound.

It is thought that beavers, which have sharp teeth for gnawing on wood, do not often attack humans. However, there have been cases of beavers attacking humans in America in recent years.

Beavers, recognised for their large flat tail which can be used when they build a dam/home, are a large rodent that can operate in water as well as on land.

Supposedly the North American beaver has been known to have been hunted for its fur and also for medicinal purposes.