Seneca Creek State Park closes section after beaver attacks girl

A 10-year-old girl was attacked and bitten by a beaver while canoeing with a summer camp group at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon. The girl sustained three laceration wounds to her upper leg and was transported to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for medical treatment.

In response to the incident, park officials have temporarily closed a portion of the park, including approximately one mile of trail near Berryville Road and the adjacent parking lot. While these specific areas are restricted, other parts of Seneca Creek State Park remain open.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and local wildlife authorities are currently searching for the animal. Although two recent beaver attacks involving rabies-positive animals occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, officials stated there is no indication of a rabies outbreak and believe the Seneca Creek incident is unrelated due to the geographic distance.