Montgomery County officials announced Tuesday that the closure area at Seneca Creek State Park has been expanded following a recent beaver bite involving a 10‑year‑old girl attending a summer camp. The child was in the creek when the animal bit her and is expected to recover without serious injury.
Background of recent incidents
This is the third documented beaver attack in Maryland this summer. Earlier incidents occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County on July 26 and August 5. While those attacks prompted temporary closures at Cunningham Falls, the latest event led DNR officials to act out of an “abundance of caution” at Seneca Creek.
Response by the Department of Natural Resources
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) furbearer biologist Joshua Tabora said a licensed trapper has been hired to enter the closed sections of the park and capture beavers for rabies testing. “It’s definitely very uncommon,” Tabora told reporters. “This is now the third kind of attack in addition to the first two that happened in Cunningham Falls State Park. We’re taking a detailed look at any similarities between the sites, but broader trends are still unclear.”
Signs posted at the new closure site read, “Area closed while DNR investigates a recent beaver attack.” The DNR emphasized that most of Seneca Creek State Park remains open and that there is no reason to believe visitors in the accessible areas are in danger.
Public reaction
Local paddleboarder Jon Cayer expressed surprise at the signage, saying, “When I saw that sign, the first thing I thought was I would be feeling like I’m being punked.” He added that he would now keep a closer eye on the creek banks while on the water, noting that aggressive wildlife is not something he typically watches for while paddleboarding.
What visitors need to know
Park officials have not set a timeline for when the closed sections will reopen. They advise families and campers to stay within the designated open areas and to follow any posted signage. The DNR will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the investigation proceeds.
For those planning to visit Seneca Creek State Park, the recommendation is to remain vigilant, respect the closures, and enjoy the many other amenities the park offers, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and open water for recreation.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
