2nd Beaver Tests Positive For Rabies After Attacking Fisherman

Maryland health officials have confirmed that the second beaver involved in an attack on a human at Cunningham Falls State Park tested positive for rabies.

Two people were bit by beavers in less than two weeks at the park.

A 19-year-old fishing in the William Houck Area of Hunting Creek Lake near Thurmont Wednesday morning was bitten by a beaver.

On July 26, a 13-year-old boy was attacked and bitten by a beaver while swimming at the state park.

Both beavers tested positive for rabies after being captured and euthanized by wildlife officials.

Wildlife officials will continue to monitor the areas where the beaver attacks happened. Meanwhile, the Houck Day Use Area, adjacent boat ramp and Big Hunting Creek above Hunting Creek Lake remain closed while the investigation continues.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a beaver near Cunningham Falls State Park should contact a health care provider and call the Frederick County Health Department's Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342, officials said.

"If pets or livestock are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, talk with your veterinarian and call the FCHD's Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717," the department stated.

"Rabies can infect mammals through a bite or a scratch," Barry Glotfelty, director of the Frederick County Health Department's Environmental Health Services, said in a statement. "Once an animal or person starts showing symptoms, it is almost always fatal unless treatment is given."

Officials said rabid animals may show symptoms including excessive salivation, limping, refusing food or water, unusually aggressive or friendly behavior, or nocturnal animals appearing during the daytime.

Related:

13-Year-Old Boy Bitten By Rabid Beaver At Cunningham Falls State Park

2nd Beaver Bite Involves 19-Year-Old Fishing At Cunningham Falls State Park