Rabid Beaver Bit Bergen County Boy, Officials Said

MAHWAH, NJ — A beaver that bit an 8-year-old boy in Mahwah on Sunday night has tested positive for a fatal virus — and anyone who touched the animal is urged to contact officials quickly.

"It was reported that a beaver at Lake Henry had contact with several people and has since tested positive for rabies," officials said Tuesday. "If you have had any contact with this animal, please notify the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately. You will need to be assessed by a doctor for medical treatment."

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Rabies is an always fatal disease that can be passed to other animals and humans, even through a scratch.

Mahwah officials said that people who were bitten by the beaver on Sunday are currently receiving medical treatment.

On Monday, an 8-year-old boy was fishing at Lake Henry in Continental Soldiers Park around 6 p.m. when the animal came out of the water and charged him.

The child tried to run away, but he tripped, police said. The beaver bit his upper thigh and continued attacking him, until a family member began kicking and hitting the animal.

Even afterwards, the beaver "continued circling the area," police said.

People in the park told police that the beaver had attacked others earlier that day.

First responders brought the child to Good Samaritan Hospital, and Tyco Animal Control responded and caught the beaver.

Since it was aggressive and thus displayed signs of rabies, they had it tested.

'Any Warm-Blooded Animal'

Anyone in contact with an aggressive animal should notify a health professional immediately to determine if they need treatment.

"Everyone is advised to avoid wildlife, as any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies," officials said Tuesday.

The Mahwah Health Department can be contacted at 201-529-5757. Police can be contacted at (201) 529-1000 x 210.

Last fall, at least two coyotes with rabies were captured in Bergen County. Read about that here.