Overview
- Three people were bitten in separate incidents at two state parks, with attacks at Cunningham Falls on July 26 and August 5 and a third attack at Seneca Creek on August 13.
- Two beavers captured and euthanized at Cunningham Falls later tested positive for rabies and a beaver carcass found downstream at Seneca Creek tested positive on August 19, though officials say it is unclear if that carcass was the animal that bit the child.
- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has closed affected park areas and water access, dismantled at least one lodge, set traps, run nighttime thermal surveys, and hired a licensed trapper to locate and test additional animals.
- Health officials and wildlife biologists say rabid beavers are rare, advise keeping about 25 yards from beavers, and urge immediate wound washing and medical evaluation for rabies post‑exposure treatment after any bite.
- State authorities stress there is no evidence of a broader rabies outbreak in Frederick or Montgomery counties but warn closures and expanded surveillance may continue while tests and searches proceed.