Overview
- The Natural Resources Police captured and euthanized a beaver after a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten in the South Beach Day Use area and taken to Meritus Medical Center for treatment on Wednesday.
- A separate beaver that attacked a 13-year-old on July 26 tested positive for rabies, which prompted the department to begin searches, dismantle a nearby lodge, and start daily surveillance at Hunting Creek Lake.
- The Maryland DNR closed the Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake to prohibit swimming, fishing, boating, and other water access until officials deem the area safe.
- DNR officials say they have expanded mitigation and monitoring, adding nighttime patrols and active removal of suspect beavers while the animal from the latest attack is sent to the Frederick County Health Department for rabies testing.
- State authorities warned that beaver bites are rare and often linked to rabies and urged anyone who had recent contact with a beaver at Cunningham Falls to contact the Frederick County Health Department for evaluation and possible post-exposure treatment.