A family fishing at Lake Henry in Mahwah, N.J., was attacked by a rabid beaver, sending an 8-year-old boy to the hospital and prompting health officials to warn anyone who may have had contact with the animal to seek medical guidance.
The beaver attack happened around 6 p.m. on Sunday at Lake Henry in the Continental Soldiers Park complex, according to NBC New York. Police said the boy was fishing from the shoreline when the beaver came out of the water and charged. The child tried to run but tripped, and the rabid beaver bit him in the upper thigh. Video shows a family friend intervening by hitting and kicking the beaver until it retreated, though police said the animal continued circling the area. The boy was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment.
Authorities later learned the same beaver had reportedly attacked other park visitors earlier in the day. Animal control officers captured the beaver after it showed possible signs of illness, and Mahwah officials confirmed Tuesday that the beaver tested positive for rabies.
A rabid beaver attacks a boy in Mahwah, New Jersey at Lake Henry. Image by Michael Noonan/Storyful
"Individuals who were bitten are currently receiving treatment," the Mahwah Township Health Department said. Officials urged anyone who had contact with the rabid beaver to notify the department immediately so they can be assessed by a doctor.
