Papal Security Sweep Saves Life of Area Beaver

An unexpected good consequence of the papal visit to the United Nations:

The NYPD's Harbor Unit, patrolling the East River near the United Nations as a part of security operations for the Pope's visit, rescued an apparently sick beaver from the water.

The ever-vigilant harbor cops spotted the animal, which appeared to be having trouble breathing and struggled to swim, not far from the U.N., where the Pope was speaking.

pulled it aboard, and placed it in a bucket with water. Officers brought the beaver to shore for transport to an animal hospital.

They did not say if they considered the animal to be a security risk.

But "it has pretty big claws," said Lt. John Harkins of the NYPD SCUBA Unit. He indicated the beaver was four feet long and about 40 pounds.

No word if the beaver was trying to get a closer look at the Pope. (FOX NY)

The beaver might have been sub-contracted to fell trees as part of the papal altar fabrication process for the Yankee Stadium Mass. More on this developing story as it appears....