Beaver bites 10-year-old canoeist, prompting partial closure of Seneca Creek State Park

A 10-year-old girl was bitten by a beaver while canoeing with a summer camp group at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County on Thursday afternoon. Park staff received the report at about 3:30 p.m., and camp counselors removed the animal before it fled back into the water. The child suffered three lacerations on her upper leg and was taken to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for treatment; no other injuries were reported.

Approximately one mile of trail near the incident site, along with the adjacent parking area, has been closed and marked with orange cones and signage. The remainder of the park, including the main area off Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, remains open.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials, park staff, and local animal services are conducting a search for the beaver. The department noted that recent beaver attacks at Cunningham Falls State Park, where two animals were later found to have rabies, are not believed to be linked to this incident because of the distance and typical beaver behavior. Officials said there is currently no evidence of a rabies outbreak in Montgomery or Frederick counties. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.