The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reopened Hunting Creek Lake and surrounding portions of Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont on Monday after extensive monitoring found no evidence that additional beavers remain in the area.
The areas were closed following two separate attacks at the lake. A 13-year-old was bitten while swimming on July 26, and a 19-year-old was bitten while fishing on August 5. Both beavers involved in the attacks were killed and later tested positive for rabies. Since then, the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service and Maryland Natural Resources Police have worked with Maryland Park Service staff to determine whether the area was safe to reopen.
Biologists conducted thermal surveys after sunset but did not locate any additional beavers around Hunting Creek Lake. Trail cameras, trapping, sign surveys and staff observations also found no evidence that beavers remain in the area.
An unrelated investigation remains underway at Seneca Creek State Park near Darnestown, approximately 35 miles from Cunningham Falls. The Maryland Park Service closed the park’s Berryville area, Route 28 parking lot and associated river access points following a beaver attack on August 13. The beaver involved later tested positive for rabies. Those portions of the park remain closed while officials continue monitoring the area for additional beaver activity.
DNR says beavers are generally non-aggressive and typically avoid humans, but visitors should maintain a minimum viewing distance of 25 yards from all medium-sized wild animals. Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately.
