Maryland Expands Cunningham Falls Park Closures After Second Rabid Beaver Attack

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has expanded restrictions at Cunningham Falls State Park, closing the Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above Hunting Creek Lake. The decision follows a second confirmed case of rabies in a beaver that attacked a visitor earlier this month, raising concerns among wildlife officials about a potential outbreak within the local population.

On Wednesday, 5 August, a 19-year-old male fisherman was bitten on the ankle in the South Beach Day Use area. The victim transported himself to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he received treatment for rabies exposure and a tetanus shot. Natural Resources Police officers subsequently followed up with the patient to document the incident. Following the attack, officers euthanized the beaver, which was then submitted for laboratory testing.

On 6 August, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed that the second beaver collected from the park had tested positive for the rabies virus. This confirmation mirrors a previous incident on 26 July, when a 13-year-old swimmer was attacked by a beaver that also tested positive for rabies. The recurrence of such incidents has prompted authorities to investigate a possible rabies outbreak within the local beaver population at Cunningham Falls State Park.

In response to the confirmed cases, the Maryland Park Service has prohibited swimming, fishing, boating, and all water access to the affected zones until the areas are deemed safe. While the campground and other non-water areas of the park remain open, the DNR has significantly increased its surveillance efforts. The DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service is now instituting nighttime monitoring at the lake in addition to existing daytime surveillance to identify and remove any additional beavers.

Beaver attacks on humans are rare and are typically associated with rabid animals. Prior to this year, the last recorded instances of beaver bites confirmed to involve rabies in Maryland occurred in 2015 and 2021. Authorities advise the public to maintain a safe viewing distance of at least 25 yards from beavers, which are generally non-aggressive. Individuals who may have come into contact with a beaver at the park recently are urged to contact the Frederick County Health Department for guidance.