The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the closure of additional areas of Cunningham Falls State Park following a second beaver attack. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, August 5, when a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on the leg in the South Beach Day Use area. The individual sustained an ankle injury and sought treatment at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown.

In response to the attack, Natural Resources Police (NRP) euthanized the beaver involved, which will undergo rabies testing by the Maryland Department of Health. This incident marks the second beaver attack within two weeks at the park, as a previous attack on July 26 involved a 13-year-old swimmer, with that beaver subsequently testing positive for rabies.

As a precautionary measure, the Maryland Park Service has closed the Houck Day Use Area, the nearby boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake. All swimming, fishing, boating, and water access are prohibited until the area is deemed safe. Other sections of the park, including the campground, remain open. Following the first incident, DNR had already restricted swimming access and conducted surveillance for potential rabid beavers.

Moving forward, the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service will implement nighttime monitoring at the lake alongside daytime surveillance to ensure visitor safety. Beaver attacks are rare and typically occur with rabid animals; prior to this year, the last recorded instances in Maryland were in 2021 and 2015.

Residents who may have come into contact with a beaver at Cunningham Falls State Park are urged to contact the Frederick County Health Department for guidance. DNR will continue to provide updates on the park’s status and the ongoing wildlife investigation.