Maryland health officials have confirmed a second beaver from Cunningham Falls State Park tested positive for rabies, escalating concerns after two separate attacks on park visitors in less than two weeks.
The latest test result was announced Thursday, Aug. 6, after a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten while fishing in the William Houck Area of Hunting Creek Lake near Thurmont on Wednesday morning, according to the Frederick County Health Department.
The rabid beaver is the second confirmed case at Cunningham Falls State Park since July 26, when a 13-year-old boy was attacked while swimming, as Daily Voice previously reported.
Following Wednesday's attack, wildlife officers captured and euthanized the beaver, which was later submitted for testing. On Thursday, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed it was infected with the rabies virus.
The latest positive test comes as officials continue investigating what could be a localized rabies outbreak among the park's beaver population.
The Houck Day Use Area, adjacent boat ramp and Big Hunting Creek above Hunting Creek Lake remain closed while the Maryland Department of Natural Resources continues its investigation.
Swimming, fishing, boating and all access to the closed areas remain prohibited until officials determine the area is safe, a process expected to take several days.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a beaver near Cunningham Falls State Park should contact a health care provider and call the Frederick County Health Department's Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342, officials said.
"If pets or livestock are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, talk with your veterinarian and call the FCHD's Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717," the department added.
"Rabies can infect mammals through a bite or a scratch," Barry Glotfelty, director of the Frederick County Health Department's Environmental Health Services, said in a statement. "Once an animal or person starts showing symptoms, it is almost always fatal unless treatment is given."
Officials said rabid animals may show symptoms including excessive salivation, limping, refusing food or water, unusually aggressive or friendly behavior, or nocturnal animals appearing during the daytime.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources continues monitoring Cunningham Falls State Park and removing any additional beavers found in the affected area.
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