Health Officials Issue Warning After Beaver Bites 8-Year-Old Boy at New Jersey Lake

Health officials told NTD on Wednesday that two people were bitten, including the child, and another scratched.

Published: 5/6/2026, 11:03:18 PM EDT

Health Officials Issue Warning After Beaver Bites 8-Year-Old Boy at New Jersey Lake — A beaver in a file photo. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Health officials are urging residents to avoid wildlife after a rabid beaver bit an 8-year-old boy and injured two adults at a small recreational lake in northern New Jersey over the weekend.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on May 3 along the banks of Lake Henry in Continental Soldiers Park in Mahwah, just north of Newark, local media reported.

Speaking with PIX11 News, Mahwah Police Capt. Michael Blondin said the child had been fishing with his family when the beaver "exited the lake and charged him." NTD reached out to the local police department for additional information, but a response was not received by publication time.

A video shared online by another parkgoer appears to show several people attempting to get away from the beaver near the edge of the lake as one person grabs the animal and throws it back into the water. However, it's unclear whether those shown in the footage are the child and his family.

Dawn Cetrulo, a health officer for the Mahwah Health Department, told NTD via email on Wednesday that one adult was also bitten and another scratched by the same beaver.

The health department confirmed on Tuesday that the animal had tested positive for rabies after being captured by animal control.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a viral disease that is typically spread through bites or scratches from infected animals, the most common being bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons.

The CDC notes that the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms begin to appear without proper medical treatment. Early symptoms of rabies can resemble the flu, including weakness, fever, or headache. Some people may also experience a prickling sensation, itching, or discomfort where the bite occurred.

The Mayo Clinic states that those who may have been exposed to rabies must receive a series of injections to prevent the infection from developing.

The Mahwah Health Department said everyone who had been injured by the beaver was receiving proper treatment, adding that anyone who has come in contact with the animal must be assessed by a doctor for medical care.

"Everyone is advised to avoid wildlife, as any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies," officials said.

Speaking with NTD, Cetrulo urged those who may have encountered the beaver to come forward immediately by contacting the health department. Anyone who has interacted with the animal or has general questions can call the agency directly at 201-529-5757.