Montgomery County Health and Animal Services Officials Remind Residents to Avoid Contact with Wildlife Following Confirmed Rabies Case in Beaver – Mocofeed

Montgomery County health and animal services officials are reminding residents to avoid contact with wildlife following confirmation that a beaver found dead near Seneca Creek State Park tested positive for rabies. 

Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals and is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms begin, but prompt medical evaluation and preventive treatment following a potential exposure are highly effective. 

On Thursday, Aug. 13, a 10-year-old girl attending a summer camp was attacked and bitten by a beaver while in Seneca Creek State Park near Berryville Road. The child was taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

On Monday, Aug. 17, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff located a deceased beaver in the area. Testing by the Maryland Department of Health confirmed on Wednesday, Aug. 19, that the animal was positive for rabies. DNR and health officials have not been able to determine whether the rabid beaver is the same animal involved in the Aug. 13 attack.  

“Wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance,” said Caroline Hairfield, executive director of the 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. Keep pets away from wildlife, use a leash when walking dogs and ensure your pets’ rabies vaccinations are current. If you have contact with a wild animal, seek medical guidance promptly and report the incident so the appropriate agencies can respond.” 

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DNR continues to search the area for additional sick beavers or other wildlife. A portion of Seneca Creek State Park near the location of the incident, including approximately one mile of trail and river access points, remains closed. Other areas of the park remain open. According to DNR, there is currently no indication of a rabies outbreak in the County. 

“Finding rabies in a beaver is rare, but it serves as a stark reminder that the virus can affect any mammal,” said Dr. Kisha Davis, Montgomery County health officer. “We urge residents to keep a safe distance from all wildlife, ensure pets are vaccinated and report any bites or unusual animal behavior immediately.”

Residents Urged to Avoid Contact with Wildlife

Residents should not approach, touch, feed, capture, or otherwise interact with wildlife, including animals that appear friendly, sick, injured, disoriented, or dead. A change in an animal’s normal behavior can be a warning sign, but the absence of unusual behavior does not mean an animal is safe to handle. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to leave wildlife alone and not to touch injured wildlife. Residents should also keep pets away from wildlife and ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets are current on their rabies vaccinations.  

In Maryland, rabies is most frequently found in wildlife, including raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats. Domestic animals may also be at risk. 

What to Do After a Possible Exposure

Anyone who is bitten, scratched, or may have otherwise been exposed to wildlife or an unfamiliar animal should: 

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• Immediately wash the wound or exposed area thoroughly with soap and water.  
• Promptly seek medical care and public-health guidance.  
• Report potential animal exposures in Montgomery County by calling the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000.  
• Call 911 if an animal attack is in progress or there is an immediate threat to life or safety.