MAHWAH, NJ – Health officials in Mahwah have issued an urgent alert after an 8-year-old boy was attacked by a beaver that has since tested positive for rabies.
The Attack at Continental Soldiers Park
The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. According to Mahwah Police, the young boy was fishing along the shoreline of Lake Henry when the beaver suddenly exited the water and charged at him.
Witnesses report that the boy tried to escape but tripped, allowing the animal to bite him on his leg and upper thigh. A family friend intervened, hitting and kicking the beaver to stop the attack. The boy was transported to a local hospital for treatment; his current condition has not been made public.
Positive Rabies Confirmation
Following the encounter, animal control captured the beaver, which was showing visible signs of illness. On Tuesday, May 5, the Mahwah Health Department confirmed that the animal tested positive for rabies.
Authorities also discovered a viral Facebook video showing the same beaver aggressive behavior toward other park visitors earlier that day.
Public Health Warning
The Mahwah Health Department is urging anyone who may have had contact with the beaver at Lake Henry to seek medical attention immediately.
“Individuals who were bitten are currently receiving treatment,” the department stated in a social media alert. They reminded residents that rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, making immediate post-exposure treatment vital.
What to do:
- If you had contact with wildlife at Lake Henry on May 3, call the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately.
- Avoid all contact with stray or wild animals, especially those acting unusually aggressive or lethargic.
