Watch beaver swimming along River Adur after dog walker’s exciting discovery

Richard Osborne from Worthing, who runs The Doggy Butler dog-walking business, was at work with some dogs along the River Adur yesterday (December 9) when he spotted something in the water close to Lancing College at 3.15pm.

He said: “I noticed initally something coming towards me in the river, the water rippled as it travelled. When it got close, I thought, is it an otter? Then I saw the paddle like tail as it swam by, and thought ‘that was a beaver!’. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“I have lived in Worthing all my life and as an animal enthusiast, I had never heard of a beaver in these parts.”

The 40-year-old added: “I then followed the beaver up river a short way, it then hauled itself out to have a little relax on the river bank. It looked big and a very healthy beaver.

“It then jumped back in the river and swam towards me again down river, when I took the video.

“I continued on my way back to the car park, following the beaver down river, where it could be seen happily swimming along, criss-crossing the river, having a lovely time.”