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Two people bitten by beavers in less than two weeks at Maryland park force partial closure after both animals test positive for rabies
The Times of India • • health
Key Points:
- Two people were bitten by rabid beavers at Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland within two weeks, prompting authorities to close several water access areas including swimming, fishing, and boating zones to protect public safety.
- Both beavers involved in the attacks were captured, euthanised, and tested positive for rabies, leading to ongoing surveillance and removal efforts to assess the extent of a possible rabies outbreak in the local beaver population.
- Officials have urged visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards from beavers and to avoid approaching or feeding wildlife, emphasizing that rabies can cause unusual aggression in normally non-aggressive animals.
- Cunningham Falls State Park remains partially open, but restrictions on water activities will continue until health authorities confirm the area is safe for visitors; those bitten received prompt medical treatment to prevent rabies infection.
- The incidents highlight the importance of caution around wildlife, as even typically peaceful animals like beavers can become dangerous when infected with rabies, with similar attacks recently reported in New Jersey.
