Montgomery County Warns Residents After 1 Rabid Beaver Found Near Seneca Creek Park
Updated
Updated · montgomerycountymd.gov · Aug 21
Montgomery County Warns Residents After 1 Rabid Beaver Found Near Seneca Creek Park
3 articles · Updated · montgomerycountymd.gov · Aug 21
Summary
A beaver found dead near Seneca Creek State Park tested positive for rabies, prompting Montgomery County health and animal services officials to warn residents against any contact with wildlife.
The alert follows an Aug. 13 attack in which a 10-year-old girl at a summer camp was bitten by a beaver near Berryville Road; officials still cannot confirm whether it was the same animal.
DNR located the dead beaver on Aug. 17, state health testing confirmed rabies on Aug. 19, and crews are still searching the area for additional sick beavers or other wildlife.
About 1 mile of trail and river access near the incident remains closed, though other parts of the park are open and officials say there is no sign of a countywide rabies outbreak.
Residents are being told to wash any bite or scratch with soap and water, seek prompt medical care, report exposures, and keep pets' rabies vaccinations current.