Maryland Park Closes Lake Area After 2 Rabid Beaver Attacks on Teens

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 17

Cunningham Falls State Park closed day-use areas around Hunting Creek Lake after rabid beavers attacked a 13-year-old swimmer on July 26 and a 19-year-old fisherman on Aug. 5.
The 13-year-old was airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital with hand and chest injuries, while the 19-year-old was treated at Meritus Medical Center after an ankle bite and received a tetanus shot.
Both beavers were euthanized and tested positive for rabies, prompting Maryland wildlife staff to set traps, run nighttime thermal-imaging surveys and check for any additional beavers.
Other parts of the Frederick County park remain open for camping and hiking, but officials said the lake area will stay shut until experts determine it is safe to reopen.
Rabies can spread through bites or scratches from infected wildlife; doctors said aggressive daytime behavior, disorientation and excess salivation are warning signs and urged immediate wound washing and medical care.