An eight-year-old boy was bitten by a rabid beaver at a New Jersey lake on Sunday, prompting his family to fight off the aggressive rodent in a dramatic water struggle. The bizarre attack occurred just before 6 p.m. at Lake Henry in Continental Soldiers Park, located in the Mahwah municipality near Newark.
Attack Details
The Township of Mahwah confirmed on Tuesday that the animal tested positive for rabies. According to the Mahwah Police Department, the boy had been fishing with his family when the beaver approached. He tried to run but tripped, and the beaver bit him in the thigh, said Mahwah Police Captain Michael Blondin.
A family friend managed to dislodge the beaver with several kicks and strikes, but the animal remained nearby as first responders arrived. A video captured the family and friends leaping into action, showing two people in the water before a third joined. They picked up the beaver and slammed it into the water, then retreated to shore, but the rodent followed.
Family's Struggle
One person fell backward, and the beaver attempted to bite before a man pushed its head down while another family member kicked it away. The person holding the beaver down then picked it up and threw it several feet back into the water. The unruly rodent continued to circle as a small white dog waded in and barked at it.
The eight-year-old was transported to a local hospital for treatment; the extent of his injuries remains unclear. According to the township, other lake-goers were also bitten on Sunday and are receiving treatment. The township urged anyone who had contact with the beaver to notify the local health department.
Rabies Information
Rabies is an extremely deadly virus spread through saliva from infected animals to humans, but it can be treated. However, if symptoms start, rabies is almost always fatal, according to Rabies Watch. Beavers are common in New Jersey and not typically dangerous, but they will defend themselves if threatened, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection and Critter Control. Beavers are approximately 3 to 4 feet long and weigh 30 to 70 pounds, making them the second-largest rodents after capybaras.
