Frederick County residents are urged to exercise caution following the confirmation that a second beaver from Cunningham Falls State Park has tested positive for rabies. The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) received notification from the Maryland Department of Health on August 6, 2026, regarding this alarming finding. This marks the second rabies case involving a beaver at the park in just two weeks, with the first incident reported on July 26, 2026.
The recent case was highlighted by an incident on August 5, when a man was attacked by a beaver while fishing at Hunting Creek Lake. In response, Frederick County Animal Control, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), collected the animal for testing. As a precaution, the Houck day-use area, boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake have been closed to the public until further notice. Officials expect the area to remain closed for several days while safety assessments are conducted.
Residents are reminded to take rabies seriously. Anyone bitten or scratched by a beaver or any wild animal in the vicinity of Cunningham Falls State Park should seek medical advice immediately and contact the FCHD’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. Additionally, pet owners are advised to consult their veterinarian and reach out to the FCHD’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717 if their animals have been involved in similar incidents.
Barry Glotfelty, Director for FCHD’s Environmental Health Services, emphasized the risks associated with rabies. “Rabies can infect mammals through a bite or a scratch. Once an animal or person starts showing symptoms, it is almost always fatal unless treatment is given,” he stated. Symptoms in animals may include unusual behaviors such as fear of water, excessive salivation, and aggressive tendencies.
Residents are encouraged to report any contact with stray or wild animals to Animal Control at 301-600-1544. For more information on rabies exposure and preventive measures, visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/RabiesExposure and for general rabies information, go to Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Rabies.