2nd beaver involved in attack on human at Maryland park tests positive for rabies

Frederick County officials confirmed Thursday that a second beaver involved in an attack on a human at Cunningham Falls State Park in two weeks has tested positive for rabies.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in a news release on Wednesday that a 19-year-old fisherman reported that a beaver bit him on the leg in the South Beach Day Use Area around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The man was treated at a Hagerstown hospital. Natural Resources Police caught and euthanized the beaver, then sent it to Frederick County’s health department for rabies testing, officials said.

In a news release, county health officials confirmed that the euthanized beaver had tested positive for rabies. They said those who have been bitten or scratched by a beaver near the park should contact their doctor or the county’s community health services office at 301-600-3342.

“Rabies can infect mammals through a bite or a scratch. Once an animal or person starts showing symptoms, it is almost always fatal unless treatment is given,” said Barry Glotfelty, Frederick County’s environmental health services director.

The county said symptoms of rabies in animals include fear of water, excessive salivation, failure to eat or drink, limping, unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, and unusual behaviors such as nighttime animals coming out during the

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Beaver that attacked teen at Maryland park tests positive for rabies

Jul 28, 2026

Wednesday’s incident follows a July 26 beaver attack on a 13-year-old swimmer at Cunningham Falls State Park. Authorities determined that beaver had rabies after capturing and euthanizing it.

The Maryland Park Service has closed the Houck Day Use Area, an adjacent boat ramp, and a section of Big Hunting Creek as officials investigate a possible rabies outbreak among the park’s beavers. Hunting Creek Lake was closed to swimmers after the first attack, and a nearby beaver lodge was dismantled.

The agency’s Wildlife and Heritage Service plans to conduct nighttime monitoring of Hunting Creek Lake, in addition to ongoing daytime surveillance to remove any additional beavers that may be there.

Officials said beaver attacks are rare and usually involve rabid animals but that people should generally keep a safe distance from them, at least 25 yards.

Anyone who may have come into contact with a beaver at the park should call the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-3342.

This story has been updated.