Two swimmers were bitten by a beaver on July 4 while at a vacation spot in upstate New York, leading state officials to issue a warning about potentially rabid rodents in the area.
Brandon Shortsleeve told NBC 5 that he and a friend were swimming on Turtle Island, a small island on the west side of Lake George, when the incident occurred. Shortsleeve described the beaver as "out for blood," reporting that it attacked his friend and then bit him multiple times when he intervened.
"I just jumped in the water, and then I grabbed whatever it was [that was] attacking and pulled it out," Shortsleeve said. He added that he had to maintain a firm grip on the animal before tossing it away.
Following the attack, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) investigated and, five days later, discovered a dead beaver with rabies. Officials have stated that while it is unclear if this was the same beaver involved in the attack, it may have infected other beavers in a nearby colony.
The DEC has advised the public to exercise extreme caution near the water on Turtle Island and to report any beavers exhibiting unusual behavior to authorities. "Boaters and campers should exercise utmost caution and are advised to avoid contact with beaver while recreating," the DEC said in a statement.
This incident follows a similar event in May when an 8-year-old boy in New Jersey was attacked by a beaver while fishing with his family. Viral video showed the boy throwing the animal back into the water after the encounter.