Biting rabid beavers prompt partial closure of popular Maryland park
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Key Points:
- Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland remains closed to recreational water activities following two recent beaver attacks confirmed to involve rabid animals.
- A 19-year-old man was bitten by a rabid beaver while fishing on Wednesday, leading to the beaver's capture and euthanasia; this follows a similar incident on July 26 involving a 13-year-old swimmer.
- Authorities have closed the park’s boat ramp, creek, and lake areas and are conducting surveillance and removal efforts targeting beavers to ensure visitor safety.
- Beaver attacks are rare and typically linked to rabid animals; visitors are advised to maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from beavers.
- A similar rabid beaver attack occurred earlier this year in Mahwah, New Jersey, where an 8-year-old boy was injured, and the animal was also euthanized after testing positive for rabies.
