Montgomery County health and animal services officials are reminding residents to avoid contact with wildlife after a beaver found dead near Seneca Creek State Park tested positive for rabies.
On Aug. 13, a 10-year-old girl attending a summer camp was attacked and bitten by a beaver near Berryville Rd. The child was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff found a deceased beaver in the area on Aug. 17. Testing by the Maryland Department of Health confirmed on Aug. 19 that the animal had rabies. Officials have not been able to determine whether it was the same beaver involved in the attack.
“Wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance,” said Caroline Hairfield, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Animal Services. “This confirmed rabies case is an important reminder not to touch, feed or attempt to help wild animals, even if they appear sick, injured or unusually calm.”
DNR continues to search the area for additional sick beavers or other wildlife. Approximately one mile of trail and river access points near the location of the incident remain closed, while other areas of Seneca Creek State Park remain open.
According to DNR, there is currently no indication of a broader rabies outbreak in Montgomery County. “Finding rabies in a beaver is rare, but it serves as a stark reminder that the virus can affect any mammal,” said Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis. “We urge residents to keep a safe distance from all wildlife, ensure pets are vaccinated and report any bites or unusual animal behavior immediately.”
Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals and is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. It is nearly always fatal after symptoms begin, but preventive treatment is highly effective when administered promptly following a potential exposure.
Residents are advised not to approach, touch, feed or attempt to capture wildlife, including animals that appear friendly, sick, injured, disoriented or dead. Pets should be kept away from wildlife and remain current on their rabies vaccinations.
Anyone bitten, scratched or potentially exposed to a wild or unfamiliar animal should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention. Potential exposures in Montgomery County should be reported through the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000. Residents should call 911 if an animal attack is underway or presents an immediate threat.
For additional information about rabies, animal bites and what to do following a potential exposure, visit the Montgomery County Office of Animal Services’ Bites and Rabies webpage.
