Bizarre string of beaver attacks forces multiple Maryland state parks to close
Beaver attacks on humans are extremely rare, as they normally try to avoid people and only act aggressively when they feel trapped, are defending their homes and young or are sick with a disease like rabies.
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THE TAKEAWAY
- Parts of Cunningham Falls State Park and Seneca Creek State Park are closed after three people were attacked by beavers.
- The first two attacks happened at Cunningham Falls State Park when a 13-year-old and 19-year-old were bitten by rabid beavers.
- The third incident happened at Seneca Creek State Park when a beaver attacked a 10-year-old at a summer camp.
- Beaver attacks on humans are extremely rare, as they normally try to avoid people.
FREDERICK COUNTY, MD - Portions of multiple popular state parks in Maryland are temporarily closed after three people were attacked by beavers, including two that tested positive for rabies.
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The first attack happened at Cunningham Falls State Park on July 26, when a rabid beaver attacked a 13-year-old swimmer.
The teenage boy suffered injuries to his hands and chest and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, according to a local news outlet in Washington, D.C.
Three people were attacked by beavers in Maryland state parks. (Patrick Pleul/picture alliance / Getty Images)
The beaver was eventually captured and tested positive for rabies. The animal was then euthanized.
A second incident occurred on Aug. 5, when a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on the ankle by a beaver. The man took himself to a nearby medical center where he received treatment for rabies exposure and a tetanus shot.
According to FOX News Digital, the beaver was subsequently euthanized and tested positive for rabies.
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Both incidents led to partial closures of Cunningham Falls State Park.
Two beavers involved in the attacks tested positive for rabies. (Patrick Pleul/picture alliance / Getty Images)
"Currently at Cunningham Falls State Park, day-use areas around Hunting Creek Lake will remain closed until wildlife experts and park management determine it is safe to reopen them to the public," Joe Zimmermann, public information officer for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, told FOX News Digital.
However, other areas of the park, including hiking and camping areas, remain open.
"Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff, including wildlife specialists and park staff, are working to ensure the safety of the area and confirm that there are no additional beavers present," Zimmermann said.
The first attack happened at Cunningham Falls State Park on July 26, when a rabid beaver attacked a 13-year-old swimmer. (Patrick Pleul/picture alliance / Getty Images)
Since then, a 10-year-old child was attacked and bitten by a beaver Thursday at Seneca Creek State Park.
According to a press release, the child was attending summer camp and swimming with a group of people at a commonly used swimming hole when the incident occurred.
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When counselors intervened to remove the beaver, it escaped into the water.
The child suffered three laceration wounds to the upper leg and was taken by family members to a hospital in Bethesda for treatment.
The three attacks led to partial closures of Cunningham Falls State Park and Seneca Creek State Park. (Patrick Pleul/picture alliance / Getty Images)
Additionally, a group of people canoeing in the area reported that a beaver tried to charge their boats. No injuries were reported.
Officials from the Department of Natural Resources noted they are currently searching for the beaver and have closed the area where the attack occurred.
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"With the distance of the two parks from one another, as well as the home range and social behavior of beavers, the incident in Seneca Creek is not considered related to the incidents at Cunningham Falls," the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in a press release. "According to data from the respective health departments, there is no indication of a rabies outbreak in Frederick County or Montgomery County."
Beaver attacks on humans are extremely rare, as they normally try to avoid people and only act aggressively when they feel trapped, are defending their homes and young or are sick with a disease like rabies.