Maryland wildlife officials have closed multiple recreational areas around Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park after a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on the ankle by a rabies-positive beaver, according to county health officials.
Cunningham Falls State Park Closes Water Access Following Second Rabid Beaver Attack
The latest attack happened when the 19-year-old victim was bitten near the shoreline on Wednesday morning, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The fisherman drove himself to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown for medical treatment following the encounter. Natural Resources Police later located and euthanized the animal, which subsequently tested positive for the rabies virus.
This event follows a strikingly similar incident from late July. Less than two weeks prior to Wednesday’s attack, a 13-year-old swimmer was bitten by a different beaver in the same area of the park. That animal tested positive for rabies on July 27, according to park and health officials.
Expanded Closures and DNR Surveillance Efforts at Hunting Creek Lake
In response to the confirmed rabies cases, officials have shut down the Houck Day Use Area, the nearby boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake. Water-dependent activities—including swimming, fishing, and boating—are strictly prohibited while state agencies investigate what officials suspect is a localized rabies outbreak among the park’s beaver population.
Despite the restrictions affecting aquatic zones, park operations are not entirely halted. The campground and other dry areas of Cunningham Falls State Park remain open to visitors. To manage the wildlife threat, the Department of Natural Resources announced that crews will ramp up daytime surveillance and monitor the lake at night for additional beavers, employing what officials described as a daytime “Beavercam” monitoring approach.
Did You Know?
Beaver attacks are rare, as the animals generally prefer avoiding people, according to DNR.
Wildlife Safety Guidelines and Public Health Contacts
State wildlife experts advise visitors to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from any beaver encountered in the wild. Officials emphasize that individuals should be particularly cautious if an animal appears unusually aggressive, disoriented, or overly interested in human ankles.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have had recent contact with a beaver at Cunningham Falls State Park to immediately reach out to the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-3342 to evaluate potential exposure risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas of Cunningham Falls State Park are currently closed?
Officials have closed the Houck Day Use Area, the nearby boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above Hunting Creek Lake due to the confirmed rabies cases.
Are camping and dry areas of the park still open?
Yes, the campground and other dry areas of Cunningham Falls State Park remain open to the public, though water access activities like swimming, fishing, and boating are banned.
Who should I contact if I had contact with a beaver at the park?
Anyone who has recently come into contact with a beaver at the park should call the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-3342.
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