Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland has partially closed due to two separate incidents in which rabid beavers attacked park visitors. The incidents have led to the closure of swimming access to Hunting Creek Lake within the park as authorities work to ensure public safety.
The first attack occurred on July 26, when a 13-year-old swimmer was injured by a beaver. The teenager sustained injuries to his hands and chest and was airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment. The beaver involved in this attack was euthanized and subsequently tested positive for rabies.
A second incident took place on August 5, when a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on the ankle by a beaver. This individual sought medical attention at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he received a tetanus shot. Like the first beaver, this animal was also euthanized and confirmed to have rabies.
Following these attacks, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials closed swimming access to Hunting Creek Lake. "Currently at Cunningham Falls State Park, day-use areas around Hunting Creek Lake will remain closed until wildlife experts and park management determine it is safe to reopen them to the public," said Joe Zimmermann, public information officer for the DNR. Other sections of the park, including areas for camping and hiking, remain open.
DNR staff are conducting intensified efforts to ensure the area's safety. These measures include the setup of traps since the initial incident and nighttime surveys of the lake area using thermal imaging. Wildlife specialists and park staff are actively searching for any additional signs of beavers and maintaining vigilance throughout the park.
Doctors note that beavers typically avoid human interaction. However, the rabies virus can affect an animal's brain, leading to a loss of fear and uncharacteristic aggression. Signs of rabies in animals can include unusual boldness, disorientation, uncoordinated movement, excessive salivation, or abnormal vocalizations. Rabid nocturnal animals may also be active during the daytime.
Rabies is primarily transmitted through contact, such as bites or scratches, from an infected animal. While dog-mediated rabies has been largely controlled in the U.S., bats, foxes, raccoons, and skunks remain known carriers. Health experts advise caution around all wild animals and recommend against approaching or attempting to capture them. If an encounter or bite occurs, individuals should move to a safe location, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water, and seek immediate medical attention. Medical treatment typically involves a series of rabies vaccines. Unvaccinated individuals can face fatal outcomes if rabies is left untreated.