Maryland park closes water areas after two rabid beaver bites

Maryland officials have shut down the boat ramp, creek and lake sections of Cunningham Falls State Park while they investigate a possible rabies outbreak among the park's beaver population. The decision follows two recent attacks: a 19-year-old man was bitten on the ankle while fishing on Wednesday, and a 13-year-old swimmer was bitten on July 26. Both animals were captured, euthanized and later confirmed to have rabies, state wildlife officials said.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the injured man drove himself to a hospital in Hagerstown for treatment. A spokesperson for the Frederick County Health Department confirmed the rabies test results on Thursday. "Swimming, fishing, boating, and all water access are prohibited until the area can be confirmed safe for visitors," the DNR statement read.

Cunningham Falls State Park, which draws more than half a million visitors annually, has instituted round-the-clock surveillance of its lake and dismantled a beaver lodge to remove the animals. The agency noted that beaver attacks on people are rare and usually involve rabid individuals, adding that beavers are generally non-aggressive and should be observed from at least 25 yards away.

The incidents echo a similar case earlier this year in New Jersey, where a beaver that attacked an 8-year-old boy at Henry Lake was also found to be rabid. State officials continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to avoid contact with wildlife.