WELLESLEY — Beavers are not known for showing gratitude when someone offers help, but at least one Charles River denizen had a lot to be thankful for last week.

The story began when a beaver in distress was reported to Wellesley Animal Control Officer Sue Webb by callers who noticed the animal stuck on a rock in the middle of the Cordingly Dam Fish Passage.

"It was very lethargic and barely moving on the rock," Webb said. "It was there since Sunday."

When Webb received the first call, she checked the situation out and that evening contacted Mass. Fisheries and Wildlife, which offered suggestions - but no extra helpers.

She also connected with the Fire Department, in case she needed their help. However, firefighters lack the training for dealing with a dangerous animal like a beaver. 

"They were willing to offer to help to keep the rescuers safe, but I wouldn't want them to be near the beaver," Webb said.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston, however, does have the technical rescue training and can assist animal control with equipment and expertise,  she said. Thursday was their training day, so they used this rescue as part of the training.

"Five of their members came out, made a plan, went over all the safety equipment needed and precautions," she said. "Three of the team went over the railing onto a piece of land near the beaver."

As a throng of onlookers watched from the footbridge above, agents, armed with two nets, corralled the beaver into one net while covering it with the other, and then slowly raised the animal to the surface of the ledge.

"Beavers typically are not very cooperative in rescue situations," according to the ARL. However, once the beaver was on the surface, ARL’s team was able to coax it into a carrier and then transport it to a wildlife rehabilitation center, Tufts Wildlife Clinic in Grafton. Webb had called ahead to make sure there was space.

Onlookers were very respectful and quiet, as Webb explained what the rescue team was doing. Only after the rescue was complete was there quiet applause.

Team members were so focused on keeping themselves safe and securing the beaver in a humane manner that they didn't realize they had an audience until they heard the clapping and thank-yous from the audience, Webb said.

The ARL said the beaver did not appear to be injured, but since it remained in the same spot for several days, it likely was malnourished.

For more information about the Animal Rescue League of Boston go to arlboston.org.