Couple Attacked by Beaver in Quinnebaug River, Police Launch Search

Swimmers and boaters are being warned to stay out of the waters of the Quinebaug River in the vicinity of the Route 101 bridge on the Pomfret and Killingly town line.

The warning was issued Monday after two people suffered injuries from an apparent beaver attack, according to police.

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police said a Danielson man and woman were swimming just before 7 p.m. when they were bitten by an animal that appeared to be a beaver. The 20-year-old man and 19-year old woman made their way to a Putnam hospital, where they both received stitches.

EnCon Police launched a search for the animal and later encountered a beaver exhibiting aggressive behavior near the bridge Tuesday on Route 101. They were, however, unable to capture the animal.

DEEP officials said there have been occasional cases of a healthy beaver acting aggressive toward humans. There have also been a few cases when tests have shown a beaver to be infected with rabies, but it is unclear whether this is applicable to the beaver in question.

EnCon Police said beavers do not appear to be making their home in the immediate area where the attack took place. A den and some beavers were found in the bank of the river somewhat to the south of that location.