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Maryland DNR Closes Cunningham Falls After Rabid Beaver Attacks

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maryland DNR closed parts of Cunningham Falls State Park after rabid beaver attacks on July 26 and August 5, 2024.
A 13-year-old swimmer was hospitalized at Johns Hopkins with hand and chest injuries.
Both beavers were euthanized and tested positive for rabies.
DNR officer Joe Zimmermann said staff are deploying traps and thermal-imaging surveys, while Weill Cornell Medicine’s Roy Gulick warned that rabies is fatal and urged wound cleaning and medical care.

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Story summary

Maryland DNR closed parts of Cunningham Falls State Park after rabid beaver attacks on July 26 and August 5, 2024.
A 13-year-old swimmer was hospitalized at Johns Hopkins with hand and chest injuries.
Both beavers were euthanized and tested positive for rabies.
DNR officer Joe Zimmermann said staff are deploying traps and thermal-imaging surveys, while Weill Cornell Medicine’s Roy Gulick warned that rabies is fatal and urged wound cleaning and medical care.