Police have returned a beaver to its habitat after the animal was found wandering a residential neighbourhood near Gerrard and Leslie Streets early Monday morning.

Officers were called at about 1:30 a.m. after receiving complaints for an animal in the area.

The beaver was placed in the back seat of a cruiser and taken to the waterfront. Officers then opened the door and the animal wandered into the water.

Police say the animal was "unharmed and happy."