Cunningham Falls State Park has reopened Hunting Creek Lake and surrounding areas following two separate beaver attacks that led to the temporary closure.
The first attack happened July 26, when a 13-year-old was bitten by a beaver while swimming in the lake. A second attack occurred August 5, when a 19-year-old was bitten while fishing. Both beavers were dispatched, and testing later confirmed that both animals had rabies.
Following the attacks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Wildlife and Heritage Service, Maryland Natural Resources Police and Maryland Park Service staff conducted extensive monitoring of the area. Officials say that monitoring found no evidence of additional rabid beavers, allowing water access at Hunting Creek Lake and portions of the park to reopen.
By: Dianah Gibson
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