A day fishing at the park turned into a nightmare for a New Jersey family when an eight-year-old boy was attacked by a beaver that authorities say has since tested positive for rabies.
The attack happened just before 6 p.m. Sunday at Lake Henry in the Continental Soldiers Park complex in Mahwah, New Jersey, according to police.
Mahwah Police Capt. Michael Blondin said the boy, who was not named, was fishing near the shoreline of the lake when the beaver “exited the lake and charged him,” PIX11 News reported.
“The child began to run away but tripped,” Blondin said. “The animal bit the child in the upper thigh and continued to attack him.”
The boy was taken by Mahwah EMS to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, for treatment.
Police said the beaver finally backed off after a family friend intervened by hitting and kicking the animal.
Animal control officers responded to the park where they determined the beaver appeared to be showing signs of possible illness. Officers captured the animal, removed it from the park so it could be tested for rabies.
On Tuesday, the Township of Mahwah said in a post on Facebook that the beaver at Lake Henry had contact with several people and has since tested positive for rabies.
“If you have had any contact with this animal, please notify the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately,” the post said. “You will need to be assessed by a doctor for medical treatment. Everyone is advised to avoid wildlife, as any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies.”
Beavers are common throughout New Jersey, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
