Maryland Reopens Hunting Creek Lake After 2 Rabid Beaver Attacks
Updated
Updated · maryland.gov · Aug 24
Maryland Reopens Hunting Creek Lake After 2 Rabid Beaver Attacks
3 articles · Updated · maryland.gov · Aug 24
Summary
Hunting Creek Lake and nearby parts of Cunningham Falls State Park reopened after Maryland officials found no evidence of remaining rabid beavers.
Thermal surveys, trail cameras, trapping and sign checks found no additional beavers in the lake area, and staff reported no new sightings.
Two beavers linked to separate attacks — a 13-year-old swimmer bitten July 26 and a 19-year-old angler bitten Aug. 5 — were removed and later tested positive for rabies.
Seneca Creek State Park, 35 miles away near Darnestown, remains partly closed after an Aug. 13 beaver attack that officials say is unrelated and still under investigation.
Maryland officials said beavers are usually non-aggressive but advised visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from medium-sized wild animals and seek immediate care after any bite or scratch.