Maryland Records Third Beaver Attack in Weeks; Officials Search for Animal After Girl Bitten at State Park

Maryland wildlife authorities are currently searching for a beaver responsible for attacking a 10-year-old girl at a state park, an event that marks the third reported beaver-related incident in the state in under three weeks.

The young girl was participating in a group swimming and wading activity at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County when a beaver attacked and bit her on Thursday around 3:30 p.m., according to information from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Camp counselors quickly intervened, removing the beaver from the girl before it escaped back into the water. The girl suffered three lacerations to her upper leg and was transported by family members to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for medical attention. No other injuries were reported during the incident.

The attack took place at a curve in Seneca Creek, near Berryville Road and close to the Potomac River. Following the incident, the DNR closed this specific area, encompassing approximately one mile of trail and various river access points, until further notice as wildlife teams conduct their search for the animal. Other sections of Seneca Creek State Park, including the Lake Area situated off Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, remain accessible to the public.

Separately, a group canoeing in the vicinity also reported an encounter where a beaver attempted to charge one of their vessels, though no injuries resulted from that interaction, the DNR confirmed.

Previous Beaver Incidents

The incident at Seneca Creek follows two earlier beaver attacks that occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, located over 36 miles away.

On July 26, a 13-year-old swimmer was attacked by a beaver at Cunningham Falls. Subsequently, on August 5, a 19-year-old fisherman sustained a bite to his ankle in the park's South Beach Day Use area. The fisherman sought medical care at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he received treatment for potential rabies exposure and a tetanus shot, as reported by the DNR.

Natural Resources Police successfully captured and euthanized the beavers implicated in both Cunningham Falls attacks. Subsequent testing confirmed that both animals were positive for rabies.

After the second attack, the Maryland Park Service initiated the closure of the Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake, allowing wildlife officials to conduct their investigation into the incidents.

Rarity and Safety Recommendations

The DNR has stated that the Seneca Creek attack is not believed to be linked to the cases at Cunningham Falls. This assessment is based on the significant geographical distance separating the parks, as well as the typical home range and social behaviors of beavers.

Furthermore, health department data indicates no evidence of a widespread rabies outbreak in either Frederick County or Montgomery County, according to the DNR.

The agency emphasizes that beaver attacks on humans are uncommon and are generally thought to involve animals infected with rabies. Prior to this year's incidents, the most recent confirmed beaver bites in Maryland involving rabid animals were recorded in 2021 and 2015.

Beavers typically exhibit a tendency to avoid human interaction. The DNR advises the public to maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards from these animals when encountered in their natural habitat.