Maryland Launches Search for Beaver After Third Attack in Three Weeks; Two Animals Previously Confirmed Rabid

Maryland Department of Natural Resources personnel are actively seeking a beaver responsible for attacking a 10-year-old girl at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County on Thursday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. The incident represents the third beaver attack reported across the state in less than three weeks, prompting increased concern among wildlife officials and park management.

The child was participating in an organized swimming and wading activity when the animal struck, inflicting three lacerations to her upper leg. Camp counselors quickly intervened, forcing the beaver away before it retreated into the water. The girl was transported to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for medical care, with no additional injuries reported from the encounter or a separate incident involving canoeists who reported a beaver attempting to charge their vessel.

DNR has closed approximately one mile of trail and river access near Berryville Road at the bend where the attack occurred, pending completion of the search operation. The remainder of Seneca Creek State Park, including the Lake Area accessible from Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, remains open to the public. Officials stated the closure will remain in effect until wildlife teams determine the area is safe.

The Seneca Creek attack follows two separate beaver incidents at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, located more than 36 miles away. On July 26, a 13-year-old swimmer sustained injuries from a beaver, and on August 5, a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on the ankle at the South Beach Day Use area. Natural Resources Police captured and euthanized both animals involved in the Cunningham Falls attacks, with subsequent testing confirming rabies in each case.

The fisherman from the August 5 incident received rabies exposure treatment and a tetanus shot at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown. Following that second attack, the Maryland Park Service closed the Houck Day Use Area, its adjacent boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake for investigative purposes.

DNR officials indicated the Seneca Creek attack should not be considered connected to the Cunningham Falls cases due to geographic distance and the territorial and social patterns typical of beaver populations. Current health department data from both Frederick and Montgomery counties show no evidence of a broader rabies outbreak in either location, according to agency statements.

Beaver attacks on humans remain uncommon, with wildlife experts noting that such incidents typically involve rabid animals. Maryland’s previous confirmed cases of rabid beaver bites occurred in 2021 and 2015 before this year’s cluster. The DNR recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 25 yards from wild beavers, as the animals generally avoid human confrontation.