A beaver that attacked multiple people, including an 8-year-old boy, at a New Jersey lake over the weekend has tested positive for rabies, local health officials said.
The incident happened Sunday at Lake Henry in Bergen County, where officials say the animal came into contact with several individuals. The Mahwah Health Department urged anyone who may have been bitten or otherwise exposed to the beaver to seek immediate medical attention.
Authorities said at least one child was bitten during the encounter. The young boy was fishing along the shoreline at Continental Soldiers Park around 6 p.m. when the beaver reportedly came out of the water and charged at him.
Local officials said all people exposed to the animal are receiving preventive rabies treatment and are recovering.
Animal control later captured the beaver, which showed signs of illness. Rabies testing requires examination of brain tissue, meaning animals must be euthanized for confirmation.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is typically spread through bites or saliva from infected animals. Once symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal unless treatment is given quickly after exposure.
Beavers are known to be territorial and may aggressively defend their environment, according to wildlife experts.
Mahwah Township is located about 30 miles north of New York City.
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