Maryland wildlife officials are investigating a series of beaver attacks in state parks, with two previous cases confirmed to involve animals infected with rabies.
Maryland wildlife authorities are currently managing a series of unusual and aggressive encounters involving beavers across several state parks. In the most recent incident, a beaver attacked a person near a bend in Seneca Creek, close to Berryville Road and the Potomac River. This latest event has prompted the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to close a significant portion of the area, including approximately one mile of trail and various river access points, to ensure public safety while search teams look for the animal.
While the Seneca Creek incident remains under investigation, the DNR has emphasized that this encounter is likely isolated. The agency noted that the location is more than 36 miles away from previous attacks, and due to the specific social behaviors and home ranges of beavers, officials do not believe there is a direct connection between this event and the earlier incidents in Frederick County. Despite the closure of the immediate vicinity, other parts of Seneca Creek State Park, such as the Lake Area off Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, remain open for public use.
Prior to the activity at Seneca Creek, two distinct beaver attacks occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park, raising alarms among park-goers and local officials. In late July, a 13-year-old swimmer was targeted bitten on the ankle. The victim of the second attack sought medical attention at Meritus Medical Center, where he received a tetanus shot and specialized treatment for potential rabies exposure.
Following these events, the Maryland Park Service took the precautionary step of closing the Houck Day Use Area, the nearby boat ramp, and sections of Big Hunting Creek to facilitate investigations. Natural Resources Police successfully captured and euthanized the beavers involved in both Cunningham Falls incidents. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed that both animals were positive for the rabies virus, validating concerns that the behavior was symptomatic of the disease rather than typical wild animal aggression.
Despite the recent headlines, wildlife experts maintain that unprovoked beaver attacks on humans are exceptionally rare. Beavers are generally reclusive, semi-aquatic mammals that prefer to avoid direct conflict with humans. The DNR suggests that when these animals display uncharacteristic aggression, it is most often linked to a rabies infection. Historical data supports this, as confirmed beaver bites involving rabid animals in Maryland have been infrequent, with the last recorded cases occurring in 2015 and 2021.
To mitigate risks, the DNR advises the public to exercise caution when recreating near waterways. The standard recommendation for safely observing beavers in their natural habitat is to maintain a minimum distance of at least 25 yards. Furthermore, reports of aggressive wildlife should be directed immediately to park staff or local wildlife authorities. While there is currently no evidence of a widespread rabies outbreak in Frederick or Montgomery counties, the DNR continues to monitor the situation closely to protect both the public and local wildlife populations.
Beyond the physical attacks, there have been reports of erratic behavior, such as a beaver attempting to charge a canoe in the Seneca Creek area. Although no injuries resulted from that specific encounter, it serves as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant. The DNR is working to manage the current risks through temporary closures and ongoing surveillance, prioritizing the safety of visitors while respecting the natural environment of the parks.
As the state investigates these incidents, officials are urging residents and tourists to follow all posted signage and avoid restricted areas. c plays a crucial role in preventing further incidents. The DNR remains committed to balancing the accessibility of Maryland’s natural resources with the necessary safety measures required to manage unpredictable wildlife interactions.