On Sunday, May 3rd, officials in Mahwah, a township in the north of New Jersey, attended Lake Henry following reports of an animal attack that occurred at around 6:00 pm.
A day of fishing at the park turned into a nightmare for the Newsey family when an 8-year-old boy was attacked by a beaver. The boy has reportedly been hospitalized after being attacked by a potentially rabid beaver in New Jersey. The boy was taken by Mahwah EMS to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, for treatment.
Captain Michael Blondin said that the boy had been fishing on the lake’s shoreline in Continental Soldiers Park when a beaver “exited the lake and charged him,” according to the outlet.
The boy tried to run away, but tripped, and then a beaver bit him on the upper thigh and continued to attack him. The News 12 New Jersey noted that the boy had been bitten on his leg before a family friend stepped in to hit and kick the beaver away.
The beaver continued to circle the area until emergency services took the boy to the hospital for treatment; his condition has not been disclosed.
Police became aware of earlier reports in a viral video that the beaver attacked other people in the park. After animal control found the beaver showing possible symptoms of illness. It was captured and sent for testing.
On Tuesday, May 5th, the Health Department issued a health alert confirming that the beaver had tested positive for rabies and that those bitten were receiving treatment.
Health officials warn that unusual behavior can be the first sign of a rabid animal. Any creature being uncommonly aggressive or unusually tame, losing its fear of people, acting irritable, excitable, or lethargic, could potentially have rabies. Staggering or frothing at the mouth are observable symptoms as well.
“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.
