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5 clusters · 11 sources · 38 days · First seen · Last updated

Beaver attacks and park closures in Maryland

Overview

In Maryland, a series of beaver attacks linked to rabies has led to partial closures at two state parks. At Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, two attacks occurred in late July and early August. On July 26, 13-year-old Dominick Cebula was bitten while swimming in Hunting Creek Lake and was airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore; he is recovering from nerve damage and multiple surgeries following the attack. On August 5, a 19-year-old man was bitten while fishing. Both beavers were euthanized and tested positive for raccoon-type rabies. Following extensive monitoring via thermal surveys and trail cameras, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the reopening of Hunting Creek Lake and surrounding areas on August 23.

A third attack occurred on August 13 at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County, where a 10-year-old girl was bitten while canoeing. The animal involved has not been located, but officials presume it may also be rabid. Portions of Seneca Creek, including the Berryville area, the Route 28 parking lot, and certain river access points, remain closed while investigations continue.

Joshua Tabora of the DNR noted that beavers are typically shy and that aggressive behavior is often linked to rabies, which causes animals to lose their natural fear of humans. Despite these incidents, authorities stated there is no indication of an elevated rabies prevalence rate or a widespread outbreak in Frederick or Montgomery counties. The DNR advises visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 23 to 25 yards from all medium-sized wild animals.

Entities

Maryland Department of Natural Resources · Cunningham Falls State Park · Seneca Creek State Park · Montgomery County · Frederick County

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Maryland boy injured by rabid beaver attack at state park

    A 13-year-old boy in Maryland is recovering from surgeries after a rabid beaver attack at Cunningham Falls State Park, prompting a state investigation into a potential rabies outbreak.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Cunningham Falls State Park reopens after rabid beaver attacks

    Cunningham Falls State Park has reopened after monitoring confirmed no further rabid beavers are present following two attacks earlier this summer. Seneca Creek State Park remains partially closed.

  3. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Maryland officials investigate three beaver attacks linked to rabies

    Maryland authorities are investigating three beaver attacks this summer, including a recent incident at Seneca Creek State Park involving a child. Previous attacking beavers tested positive for rabies.

  4. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Seneca Creek State Park closes section after beaver attacks girl

    A 10-year-old girl was injured by a beaver attack at Seneca Creek State Park in Maryland, leading to temporary closures of certain trails and park areas.

  5. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Cunningham Falls State Park partially closed after rabid beaver attacks

    Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland has closed waterway access after two people were bitten by rabid beavers in July and August. Officials are monitoring the area for further outbreaks.

Sources

brasilemfolhas.com.br · breitbart.com · ca.sports.yahoo.com · dnyuz.com · independent.co.uk · liveblog.wtop.com · mocoshow.com · thebaynet.com · time.news · toysforlife.co.nz · wtop.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history