Maryland beaver attack left a 10-year-old girl injured at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County. The child was canoeing with an organized summer camp group when the animal attacked Thursday afternoon. Counselors intervened, while the beaver escaped into the creek, as Baltimore Chronicle reports.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. near Berryville Road. CBS Baltimore also reported the attack.
Girl taken to hospital after Seneca Creek beaver attack
The girl suffered 3 laceration wounds to her upper leg. Her family took her to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for treatment. No other injuries were reported.
Camp counselors removed the animal during the attack. It then returned to the water and escaped.
Officials closed the affected section of Seneca Creek while the investigation continues. A nearby parking area is restricted, and warning signs have been posted.
Other sections remain open, including the Lake Area off Clopper Road in Gaithersburg.
Current restrictions include:
- the creek area near Berryville Road;
- a nearby parking area;
- roughly 1 mile of adjacent trail.
The closure does not cover the entire park. Visitors should check current DNR notices before heading toward the affected section.
Maryland has recorded 3 beaver attacks this summer
The Seneca Creek incident is the third reported beaver attack at a Maryland state park this summer.
Two earlier cases occurred at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County. A 13-year-old swimmer was attacked on July 26. A 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on August 5.
| Date | Location | Victim | Rabies result |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 26 | Cunningham Falls | 13-year-old swimmer | Positive |
| August 5 | Cunningham Falls | 19-year-old fisherman | Positive |
| August 13 | Seneca Creek | 10-year-old girl | Not yet established |
Both Cunningham Falls animals were captured and euthanized. Tests later confirmed rabies.
The Seneca Creek beaver escaped. Authorities are searching for the animal, so its rabies status has not been established.
Is the Seneca Creek attack linked to rabid beavers?
DNR says there is currently no evidence connecting the Seneca Creek case with the Cunningham Falls attacks.
The parks are more than 36 miles apart. Officials also cited beaver home ranges and social behavior when assessing whether the incidents could be linked.
According to DNR, health department data does not indicate a broader rabies outbreak in either Frederick or Montgomery counties.
The distinction matters because the 2 earlier attacks involved confirmed rabid animals, while the Seneca Creek beaver has not been tested.
Wildlife officials continue searching the area as the affected section of Seneca Creek State Park remains closed.
Earlier we wrote that Jackie the bald eagle dies after weeks of intensive care at Ojai Raptor Center