Girl Bitten By Beaver In 'Extremely Rare' 3rd MD Attack

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A state park in Montgomery County has partially closed after a 10-year-old girl was attacked by a beaver, marking an unprecedented third incident in Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said Friday that the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg.

The girl had been canoeing with a summer camp group when the beaver approached at a bend in Seneca Creek near Berryville Road. The area is close to the Potomac River.

Authorities said the girl suffered three lacerations on her upper leg and was treated for her injuries at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda.

No one else suffered any injuries in relation to the attack.

Officials are searching for the beaver after it escaped back into the water when camp counselors intervened.

In addition to park staffers, agencies participating in the search include the Natural Resources Police and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service, among other local authorities.

Park Closures

Until further notice, park officials have closed off the Seneca Creek waterway near Berryville Road, as well as the surrounding trail areas.

Additionally, no parking is allowed at the adjacent parking lot, which is marked off by fluorescent orange cones.

No other areas of the state park have been closed.

Unprecedented Third Beaver Attack

The attack marks the third incident in Maryland after a 13-year-old swimmer and a 19-year-old fisherman were attacked at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County.

The two incidents took place July 26 and Aug. 5, respectively. In both cases, the beavers were caught and later tested positive for rabies.

Related:

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

The Frederick County Department of Health says beaver attacks are extremely rare since they tend to avoid humans altogether. The agency said the last recorded beaver bites took place in 2015 and 2021.

MDNR officials say the three cases are not believed to be connected due to the 36 miles separating the parks and general social behaviors of beavers.

Citing data from both the Montgomery and Frederick county health departments, the MDNR also notes that there is no indication of a rabies outbreak in either county.