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Beaver attacks and park closures in Maryland

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2026-08-25 01:01 UTC → 2026-09-15 08:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, a 13-year-old ~~boy~~ Dominick Cebula was bitten while swimming in Hunting Creek Lake and was airlifted to ~~a hospital; on~~ 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 ~~tested positive for rabies.~~ 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.

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