Overview
- A 13-year-old was bitten by a beaver at Cunningham Falls State Park and flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment after the Sunday, July 26, attack; he is reported to be recovering.
- Park staff and Maryland Natural Resources Police captured the beaver shortly after the incident and the animal was euthanized so health officials could perform definitive rabies testing.
- Laboratory testing coordinated by the Frederick County Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health confirmed the captured beaver was rabid.
- The William Houck/North Beach swimming area was closed immediately and will stay closed while officials search for other animals and complete safety checks before reopening.
- Health officials urged anyone who touched the beaver or other wild animals, or whose pets had contact, to notify the Frederick County Health Department and consult a health care provider for possible treatment.