Maryland shuts part of Cunningham Falls State Park after two beaver bites

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said a fisherman was bitten by a beaver on Wednesday, marking the second documented attack in less than two weeks at Cunningham Falls State Park. The 19-year-old man received tetanus and rabies post-exposure treatment at a local medical center. The department also closed the Houck Day Use area, a nearby boat ramp and the stretch of Big Hunting Creek above the lake, while keeping other park sections, including the campground, open.

The earlier incident on July 26 involved a 13-year-old boy who was bitten while swimming in Hunting Creek Lake; he was airlifted to a Baltimore hospital. The beaver involved was captured, euthanized and later tested positive for rabies.

"Swimming, fishing, boating, and all water access are prohibited until the area can be confirmed safe for visitors. Other areas of the park, including the campground, remain open," the DNR said in an update.

Beaver attacks on people are rare in Maryland, with the previous incidents recorded in 2015 and 2021. Officials are investigating whether a rabies outbreak is affecting the local beaver population and have increased evening surveillance, planning to remove any beavers found. Visitors are advised to stay at least 25 yards from beavers and to contact the Frederick County Health Department if they have been bitten.