New Closures at Cunningham Falls State Park Following Second Beaver Attack
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has implemented new closures at Cunningham Falls State Park near Hunting Creek Lake following a second beaver attack on a teenager. A 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on the leg by a beaver at the South Beach Day area of the park around 9:30 a.m. The teenager sought medical treatment at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown for a bite to the ankle.
This incident marks the second beaver attack at Cunningham Falls State Park in recent weeks. On July 26, a 13-year-old boy was bitten by a beaver and had to be airlifted to a Baltimore hospital. The beaver involved in the previous attack tested positive for rabies. The beaver responsible for the latest attack has been captured and euthanized for rabies testing.
In response to the second attack, the Department of Natural Resources has closed the Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek above the lake. The closures are part of an investigation into a potential rabies outbreak among the local beaver population. Nighttime monitoring will be conducted at the lake to remove any additional beavers. Beaver attacks are uncommon in the state, with the last recorded incidents occurring in 2021 and 2015.
Despite the closures, all other areas of Cunningham Falls State Park remain open to visitors. The Department of Natural Resources is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of park visitors and prevent further incidents involving beavers.