Maryland wildlife officials are searching for a beaver that bit a 10-year-old girl at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County. The incident, reported on August 13, was the state’s third beaver attack in less than three weeks. Two earlier attacks at Cunningham Falls State Park involved beavers that were later confirmed to have rabies. Officials closed the affected area at Seneca Creek while teams searched for the animal.
| 1) | Girl bitten at Seneca Creek State Park |
|---|---|
| 2) | Search and temporary closure underway |
| 3) | Two earlier attacks at Cunningham Falls |
| 4) | Rabies findings and public health assessment |
| 5) | Safety guidance for park visitors |
Girl bitten at Seneca Creek State Park
The girl was swimming and wading with an organized group at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County when the beaver attacked at about 3:30 p.m. on August 13. Camp counselors intervened and removed the animal from the girl before it escaped into the water.
She sustained three lacerations to her upper leg and was taken by family members to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for treatment. No other injuries were reported. The attack occurred at a bend in Seneca Creek near Berryville Road, close to the Potomac River.
Search and temporary closure underway
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources closed the affected section of Seneca Creek State Park until further notice. The closure covers about one mile of trail and river access points as wildlife teams search for the beaver involved in the attack.
A separate group canoeing nearby also reported that a beaver attempted to charge one of its boats, although no one was hurt. Other portions of the park, including the Lake Area off Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, remain open while the search continues.
Two earlier attacks at Cunningham Falls
The Seneca Creek incident followed two attacks at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, more than 36 miles away. On July 26, a beaver attacked a 13-year-old swimmer at Cunningham Falls. On August 5, another beaver bit a 19-year-old fisherman on the ankle in the park’s South Beach Day Use area.
The fisherman went to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he received treatment for possible rabies exposure and a tetanus shot. Natural Resources Police captured and euthanized the beavers involved in both Cunningham Falls attacks.
Rabies findings and public health assessment
Both beavers captured at Cunningham Falls later tested positive for rabies. Following the second attack, the Maryland Park Service closed the Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp and Big Hunting Creek above the lake while officials investigated.
The Department of Natural Resources said the Seneca Creek attack is not considered connected to the Cunningham Falls cases. Officials cited the distance between the parks, along with beavers’ home ranges and social behavior. Health department data showed no indication of a rabies outbreak in either Frederick County or Montgomery County.
Safety guidance for park visitors
Beaver attacks on people are rare, according to state wildlife officials, and are thought to primarily involve animals infected with rabies. Before the incidents this year, the last recorded beaver bites in Maryland confirmed to involve rabid animals occurred in 2021 and 2015.
Officials say beavers typically avoid conflict with people. Visitors should follow posted closures and maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from beavers in the wild. Anyone who encounters an aggressive or charging animal should leave the area and report it to park or wildlife officials rather than approaching it.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A 10-year-old girl suffered three lacerations in a beaver attack at Seneca Creek State Park. |
| 2 | The affected Seneca Creek area was closed while wildlife teams searched for the animal. |
| 3 | Two beavers involved in earlier Cunningham Falls attacks tested positive for rabies. |
| 4 | Officials said the Seneca Creek case does not appear related to the Cunningham Falls incidents. |
| 5 | Visitors are advised to stay at least 25 yards from beavers and obey park closures. |
Summary
The latest Maryland beaver attack prompted a temporary closure at Seneca Creek State Park after a child was bitten while swimming. Although two beavers involved in earlier Cunningham Falls attacks had rabies, wildlife officials have found no evidence of a broader outbreak or a connection between the parks. Authorities continue to search for the Seneca Creek animal and urge visitors to keep their distance from wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the latest beaver attack occur?
The attack occurred at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County, near Berryville Road and the Potomac River.
Did the beaver involved in the latest attack test positive for rabies?
The beaver involved in the Seneca Creek attack had not been captured or tested at the time reported. Two beavers involved in earlier Cunningham Falls attacks did test positive for rabies.
What should visitors do around beavers?
Visitors should maintain at least 25 yards of distance, avoid approaching beavers, follow closure notices and report aggressive behavior to park or wildlife officials.
