Lake Area Reopens After Rabid Beavers Attack People

THURMONT, MD — After two beaver attacks on people were reported at Cunningham Falls State Park, officials have reopened water access at Hunting Creek Lake and surrounding areas at the state park.

Portions of the park was closed after the Maryland Department of Natural Resources received two reports of beavers attacking people. Both beavers were captured and tested positive for rabies.

A 13-year-old was bitten while swimming on July 26 and a 19-year-old was bitten while fishing on Aug. 5. Since then, DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service and the Maryland Natural Resources Police worked with Maryland Park Service staff to monitor the area and look for any signs of additional beavers with rabies. They have since confirmed the area was safe to reopen.

Before the latest incidents, Maryland's last recorded beaver attacks were in 2015 and 2021, according to the Frederick County Department of Health.

Biologists conducting thermal surveys after sunset were unable to find anymore beavers in the Hunting Creek Lake area. They also monitored the area using trail cameras, trapping and sign surveys that indicated no beavers remain in the area. Staffers also haven't seen beavers around Hunting Creek Lake.

An unrelated incident at Seneca Creek State Park, 35 miles away near Darnestown, is still being investigated. The Maryland Park Service closed the Berryville Area, Route 28 parking lot and associated river access points to the public following a beaver attack at that state park Aug. 13. Those areas remain closed.

"Beavers are typically non-aggressive and avoid conflict with humans, but people should still maintain a safe minimum viewing distance of 25 yards for all medium-sized wild animals," the Maryland DNR stated.

Anyone bitten or scratched by any wild animal should immediately seek medical attention.

"If pets or livestock are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, talk with your veterinarian. 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:

• New Details Emerge About Maryland’s 3rd Beaver Attack

• 13-Year-Old Boy Bitten By Rabid Beaver At Cunningham Falls State Park
• 2nd Beaver Tests Positive For Rabies After Attacking Fisherman