Dead beaver tests positive for rabies at Maryland state park where girl was attacked

A dead beaver found at Seneca Creek State Park in Maryland has tested positive for rabies, authorities announced, raising concerns over potential exposure after a 10-year-old girl was attacked by a beaver earlier this month. The incident occurred on August 13 during a summer camp swimming activity at the Gaithersburg-based park, located near Bethesda. According to Maryland wildlife officials, the beaver was discovered on Monday and confirmed rabid by the Maryland Department of Health. While the animal’s presence at the park aligns with the timing of the attack, officials have yet to determine if it was the specific beaver responsible for the assault. The girl sustained three lacerations on her upper leg during the encounter and was treated for injuries. However, there is currently no public information regarding whether she received post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies, which is typically recommended following such incidents. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources stated that they could not confirm if the deceased beaver was the one that attacked the child, though its presence at the site suggests a possible link. In response to the situation, a section of the park's trails, approximately a mile long, has been temporarily closed. This includes areas leading to the Potomac River, as officials conduct further inspections to identify any additional rabid animals. The closure aims to ensure visitor safety while investigations continue. Wildlife officers are searching for more beavers in the vicinity to assess the broader risk posed by the disease. While the current case at Seneca Creek State Park appears isolated, state officials noted that there is no evidence linking it to previous rabies-related incidents involving beavers in nearby regions. Specifically, two separate attacks occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, approximately 32 miles northwest. In these cases, a 13-year-old boy was bitten on July 26, and a 19-year-old fisherman was attacked on August 5. Both beavers involved in those incidents were found and euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Health officials in both Montgomery and Frederick counties have reported no signs of a widespread rabies outbreak in their jurisdictions. These findings suggest that while rabies remains a concern, the current situation does not indicate an epidemic among local wildlife populations. Nonetheless, the recent confirmation of a rabid beaver at Seneca Creek underscores the importance of vigilance and preventive measures, particularly in areas frequented by humans and wildlife. As the investigation continues, authorities urge residents and visitors to exercise caution when encountering wild animals, especially in parks and natural reserves. They recommend avoiding direct contact with unfamiliar creatures and reporting any unusual behavior to local wildlife services. With the temporary closure of certain park areas ongoing, the focus remains on identifying and managing potential risks to public health. Officials will provide updates as new information becomes available.