A Rabid Beaver Attacks Child at Lake Henry, New Jersey
A beaver that attacked an eight-year-old boy at Lake Henry on May 3, 2025, has tested positive for rabies, the Mahwah Township Health Department confirmed.
Incident Details
The attack occurred at approximately 6 p.m. ET while the child was fishing from the shoreline. According to police reports, the beaver emerged from the water and charged at the boy.
The child tripped while trying to flee, and the animal bit him on the upper thigh.
Video footage of the incident shows the boy attempting to escape as the beaver chased and bit him. A family acquaintance intervened by hitting and kicking the beaver until it retreated. Other children also intervened, with one throwing the beaver back into the lake. A dog also attempted to deter the animal.
Mahwah EMS transported the child to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, for treatment. His condition has not been reported.
Animal Capture and Testing
Animal control officers from Tyco Animal Control captured the beaver, which exhibited signs of illness. The animal was sent for testing, and the results returned positive for rabies.
Health Department Response
The Mahwah Township Health Department stated that the beaver had contact with multiple people over the weekend. Police received additional reports and an online video indicating the same beaver may have approached or attacked other park visitors earlier.
Health officials urged anyone who may have been exposed to the animal to seek medical evaluation. Individuals who were bitten are receiving treatment for rabies exposure.
Rabies Information
Health officials reminded the public that rabies can be carried by any warm-blooded animal. In Canada and the United States, common transmitters of wildlife rabies include bats, skunks, and foxes.
The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually via a bite. Initial symptoms are flu-like, later including fever, headache, confusion, and difficulty swallowing.
The incident remains under investigation.