Partial Closure at Maryland Park After Rabid Beaver Attacks

Emergency Action at Cunningham Falls State Park

Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland took emergency measures after two people were attacked by beavers in less than two weeks, with tests showing that both animals had rabies. The repeated incidents prompted authorities to temporarily close recreational water areas in the park while beginning efforts to monitor the beaver population in the area.

First Attack and Child Taken to Hospital

On July 26, 2026, a 13-year-old child was attacked by a beaver while in the Hunting Creek Lake area of the park, according to the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

The beaver that attacked the child was captured and humanely euthanized, and testing later showed that it had rabies. According to a Fox 5 DC report, the child was flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment.

Second Attack Leads to Tighter Restrictions

On August 5, 2026, a 19-year-old man was attacked by another beaver while fishing in the park. Available reports differ on the location of the injury, with one reporting the ankle and another reporting the leg.

According to the available information, the man drove himself to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he received treatment. After the incident, Natural Resources Police officers captured and humanely euthanized the beaver.

On August 6, authorities announced that testing confirmed the second beaver had rabies, according to ABC News, citing a spokesperson for the Frederick County Health Department.

Water Areas Closed at the Park

After the second attack was reported and the beaver tested positive for rabies, authorities closed recreational water areas at the park, including the lake, creek, and boat ramp.

The restrictions prohibit swimming, fishing, boating, and all forms of access to the water until the area can be confirmed safe. The available information does not indicate that the entire park was closed, but rather that water areas and related activities were restricted.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife and Heritage Service continues daytime and nighttime monitoring of the lake, aiming to remove beavers from the area.

Why Did the Attacks Raise Rabies Concerns?

The two incidents are significant because they occurred at the same park within a relatively short period, while both beavers were confirmed to have rabies. According to authorities, beaver attacks on humans are rare and are believed to primarily involve animals with rabies.

According to ABC News, which cited authorities, the situation was described as a possible rabies outbreak within the local beaver population. However, the available information does not confirm a widespread rabies outbreak in the area. There is also no information confirming that the two beavers belonged to the same group or that they contracted the infection from the same source.

What Did Maryland Natural Resources Police Say?

Maryland Natural Resources Police confirmed that swimming, fishing, boating, and all forms of access to the water would remain prohibited until the area could be confirmed safe for visitors.

Authorities also explained that beavers are typically non-aggressive and avoid conflict with humans, but recommended maintaining a safe viewing distance of at least 25 yards when observing these animals.

The monitoring comes as officials continue daytime and nighttime surveillance of the lake, working to manage the beavers in the area and prevent further incidents.

When Will the Closed Areas Reopen?

There is no official date in the available information for reopening the lake or the closed water areas inside the park.

According to the authorities, the restrictions will be lifted once the area is determined to be safe for visitors. Therefore, no reopening date can currently be provided based on the available information.

Written by shindy
Researcher and U.S. news enthusiast since 2011