Rabid Beaver Attacks Child at Maryland Park and Is Still Missing

Key Points:

• A dead beaver found on August 17th tested positive for rabies after a 10-year-old girl was bitten by a beaver at Seneca Creek State Park, prompting a search for other sick beavers exhibiting signs such as daytime activity, aggression, and erratic behavior.
• Seneca Creek and nearby areas, including the Route 28 parking lot and about one mile of trail and river access, are closed to the public as park staff continue the search for rabid beavers.
• Maryland has recorded four beaver attacks this summer, including confirmed rabies cases at Cunningham Falls State Park where a 13-year-old and a 19-year-old were bitten earlier in July and August.
• Rabid beavers have been documented in Maryland before, with cases reported in 2015 and 2021, indicating rabies is more common in the area than many realize, though experts advise caution rather than alarm.
• Wildlife officials urge visitors to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, watch for unusual animal behavior, keep pets leashed, and report any suspicious incidents to authorities, emphasizing that no rabies outbreak is currently suspected in Montgomery or Frederick counties.