An eight-year-old boy was hospitalized after being attacked by a beaver that authorities confirmed later tested positive for rabies. The incident occurred at Lake Henry in the Continental Soldiers Park complex in Mahwah, New Jersey, just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.
According to Mahwah Police Capt. Michael Blondin, the child was fishing near the shoreline when the beaver emerged from the lake and charged at him. The boy attempted to flee but tripped, allowing the animal to bite him on the upper thigh and continue its assault.
The victim was transported by Mahwah EMS to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, for medical treatment. A family friend intervened by hitting and kicking the beaver, causing it to retreat. Animal control officers later captured the animal, which appeared to be showing signs of illness, and removed it for rabies testing.
On Tuesday, the Township of Mahwah announced via Facebook that the beaver had tested positive for rabies and had contact with several people. The post urged anyone who had contact with the animal to contact the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately for medical assessment. Rabies can be carried by any warm-blooded animal, and residents are advised to avoid wildlife.
Beavers are common throughout New Jersey, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
