Maryland officials have shut down additional areas of Cunningham Falls State Park after a second person in less than two weeks was attacked by a beaver, raising new concerns about a possible rabies outbreak around Hunting Creek Lake.
The latest attack happened around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, when a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on the ankle in the South Beach Day Use Area, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The man drove himself to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown for treatment. Natural Resources Police said they will interview him after treatment as the investigation continues.
Wildlife officers captured and euthanized the beaver involved in Wednesday's attack.
The animal has been turned over to the Frederick County Health Department, and the Maryland Department of Health is expected to have rabies test results later this week.
The attack comes just days after a 13-year-old boy was bitten while swimming at the park on Saturday, July 26, as Daily Voice previously reported. That beaver later tested positive for rabies.
With a second attack now confirmed, the Maryland Park Service has expanded closures around Hunting Creek Lake.
The Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake are now closed while DNR wildlife officials investigate what could be a rabies outbreak among the local beaver population.
Swimming, fishing, boating, and all water access are prohibited until officials determine the area is safe. The campground and other sections of Cunningham Falls State Park remain open.
Following the first attack, DNR crews dismantled a nearby beaver lodge and conducted daily surveillance around the lake but reported seeing no additional beavers until Wednesday's incident.
Officials now plan to add nighttime monitoring to the ongoing daytime surveillance and will remove any additional beavers found in the area.
Beaver attacks on people are rare and are generally associated with rabid animals, according to DNR. Before this year, Maryland's most recent reported beaver bite incidents occurred in 2021 and 2015.
Anyone who recently came into contact with a beaver at Cunningham Falls State Park is urged to contact the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-3342.
Check back for updates.
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