Montgomery County, Md. – Wildlife officials confirmed that a beaver recovered dead at Seneca Creek State Park tested positive for rabies. The discovery comes days after a 10‑year‑old girl was bitten while exploring the park’s trails.
Park closures and ongoing investigation
County authorities have closed roughly one mile of trail and river access near Berryville Road. A licensed trapper is currently working in the restricted area to capture and test additional beavers for the virus. The remainder of Seneca Creek State Park, including the popular lake area, remains open to the public.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials have not been able to confirm whether the rabid beaver was the same animal that attacked the girl. They continue to search the surrounding woods for other potentially infected wildlife.
Recent beaver incidents in Maryland
This is the third documented beaver attack in the region this summer. Two earlier incidents occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County on July 26 and August 5. Both attacks involved beavers that later tested positive for rabies.
“It’s definitely very uncommon,” said DNR furbearer biologist Joshua Tabora. “This is now the third kind of attack in addition to the first two that happened in Cunningham Falls State Park. We’re definitely trying to take a really detailed close look at any of the similarities between the sites, but so far the broader trends kind of evade us.”
Public safety guidance
Officials urge park visitors to avoid contact with wildlife, especially animals that appear sick or behave unusually. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention promptly and report the incident to local health authorities.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. In Maryland, the state health department recommends post‑exposure prophylaxis for anyone potentially exposed to the virus.
What’s next?
The DNR will continue testing captured beavers and monitoring the park for signs of additional rabid animals. Park officials plan to lift the trail closure once the area is deemed safe, but they have not set a specific timeline.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Montgomery County government website and local news outlets for updates on park access and wildlife safety measures.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
