Boy, 13, airlifted after beaver attack at Cunningham Falls State Park

THURMONT, Md. (7News) — A 13-year-old boy was flown to a Baltimore hospital after he was bitten by a beaver Sunday morning at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, prompting officials to close the swimming beach while crews searched for the animal.

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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said the attack occurred around 9:10 a.m. in the William Houck Area near the lake’s North Beach.

The boy suffered injuries to his hands and chest and was flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment.

The swimming beach was closed immediately as Maryland Park Service staff and Maryland Natural Resources Police searched for the beaver so it could be tested for rabies.

Officials said one beaver had been located, but crews continued searching the area to determine whether additional beavers were present and to confirm the captured animal was the one involved in the attack.

Rabies testing will be coordinated through the Frederick County Health Department.

The Department of Natural Resources said its Wildlife and Heritage Service provided support and guidance throughout the response and will work with the Maryland Park Service and Natural Resources Police to determine when the swimming area can safely reopen.

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All other areas of Cunningham Falls State Park remain open to visitors.