Maryland Park Shuts Down After Two Rabid Beaver Attacks Threaten Visitors

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources confirmed that rabid beaver attacks have forced the closure of Cunningham Falls State Park, marking the ↓ 2 incidents in less than two weeks.

Rabid Beaver Attacks Prompt Park Closure

On July 26, a ↓ 13-year-old swimmer was bitten on the chest and hands while wading in Hunting Creek Lake; the animal was later captured, euthanized and tested positive for rabies. A second incident on August 5 involved a 19-year-old angler who received a bite to his ankle; he was administered tetanus and prophylactic rabies treatment.

Both beavers displayed the uncharacteristic aggression typical of rabies‑infected wildlife, a condition that overrides their natural wariness of humans. State officials have suspended all recreational activities around the lake and deployed round‑the‑clock surveillance to locate any additional infected rodents.

“Public safety is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for the department, adding that the park will remain closed until clearance is confirmed.

Local tourism officials worry about revenue loss, but the decision aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Reuters health desk.

Visitors are reminded that rabies is preventable through prompt medical care, and that the incident comes amid heightened vigilance following the recent pandemic era.

Reported by Julian Vance (Senior Global Security Correspondent).