Rabies Confirmed in Beaver After Park Attack
A beaver found dead at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County has tested positive for rabies, following an earlier attack on a girl in the same park.

Washington, DC, August 19, 2026 —
A beaver discovered deceased at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County has been confirmed to have rabies. This finding comes after an incident where a girl was attacked by an animal, later identified as a beaver, within the same park.
The positive rabies test result for the deceased beaver was announced following its discovery. Officials have not provided details regarding the timeline between the attack on the girl and the finding of the dead beaver.
The girl’s condition and whether she received treatment for potential rabies exposure have not been publicly disclosed. The specific circumstances surrounding the attack, including the time and location within the park, were not provided.
Seneca Creek State Park is a public recreational area located in Montgomery County, Maryland. The park offers various amenities including hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake. Information regarding the park’s operational status or any specific advisories issued following these events was not available.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often via a bite. Public health officials generally advise avoiding contact with wild animals, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior.
Further details regarding the investigation into the incident, including the exact dates of the attack and the discovery of the beaver, as well as any public health recommendations, have not been released.
Story summarized from the original created by JT.Key@fox.com (JT Key) on www.fox5dc.com, see more information here.