Maryland Park Remains Partially Closed Following Beaver Attack

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Sections of a park in Montgomery County are closed following a beaver bite incident. This is the third recorded beaver attack in Maryland this summer.

The incident took place at Seneca Creek Park on Thursday, Aug. 13, around 3:30 p.m., according to a press release from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The beaver bit a 10-year-old girl who was canoeing with an organized group.

As a result, the section of the park near Berryville Road near the Potomac River is closed until further notice. This area includes about one mile of trail, and the adjacent parking lot is also restricted by orange cones and signs regarding the incident. All other areas of the park remain open as usual.

Maryland DNR said in its release that the child “sustained three laceration wounds on the upper leg and was taken by family members to be treated at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda.” No other injuries were reported, and DNR has not released updates on the victim’s condition. At this time, DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service staff and Seneca Creek State Park staff are searching for the beaver. Natural Resources Police and local wildlife authorities have also been contacted for additional support. Montgomery County Animal Services was also notified.

There were two beaver attacks earlier this summer at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County. The beavers involved in those attacks were caught, euthanized and tested positive for rabies. Officials don’t believe the incidents are connected and do not have concerns about rabies in Montgomery County at this time.

Beaver attacks are not officially tracked because bites from beavers are extremely rare. Beavers are naturally shy and afraid of humans; they will bite when cornered and afraid, or when they feel their kits are threatened. Most beaver bites are rabies-related and occur when beavers become aggressive and lose their natural fear.

Maryland residents can learn more about beavers online and get more information on how to protect themselves and their pets from rabies using maryland.gov or the Centers for Disease Control.

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