A beaver that attacked multiple people, including at least one child, at a lake in New Jersey has tested positive for rabies, according to town officials. Police in Mahwah responded to Lake Henry around 6 p.m. Sunday after a report of an animal attack. An 8-year-old boy had been fishing from the shoreline when a beaver came out of the water and charged at him, police said. The boy tried to run away but tripped and fell. The semi-aquatic rodent bit the child on the upper thigh, according to police, as it continued to attack him. A family friend nearby came over to hit and kick the beaver several times before it eventually retreated, though it continued to circle the area, police said. The boy was taken by EMS to Good Samaritan Hospital. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Apr 2 CDC pauses lab testing of rabies, monkeypox and other infectious diseases Westchester County Mar 11 Coyote that attacked 3 people, 6 dogs in Westchester County tests positive for rabies Animals Sep 25, 2025 ‘Very mean squirrel' seeking food sends at least 2 people to the ER in California As officers looked into the incident, they became aware of multiple reports and an online video showing the beaver attack other park guests earlier in the day. Animal control came and found the rodent exhibiting possible signs of illness, so it was captured and sent for testing. On Tuesday, the town confirmed the beaver had tested positive for rabies. Town officials said each of the individuals bitten was receiving treatment, and urged anyone else who may have had contact with the animal to contact the Mahwah Township Health Department in order to be assessed by a doctor. Signs of rabies Health officials warn that unusual behavior can be a 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. How do animals get rabies? Rabies is most commonly seen in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, deer, groundhogs and coyotes, according to health officials. However, any mammal can be infected, including household pets, like dogs and cats, and other domestic animals such as horses and livestock. The virus is transmitted by infected animals through their saliva. They can infect people and animals through a bite or if their saliva gets into another mammal’s eyes, nose, mouth or a break in the skin.   The virus attacks the central nervous system and can be transmitted from infected mammals to humans and other mammals, including pets if they are not vaccinated. Animals of all ages can be infected with rabies, including very young animals. Rabid animals are present all year round in New York State, but the risk of encountering a rabid animal is much higher in the summer as people spend more time outdoors.  Exposure to a rabid animal does not always result in rabies. If treatment is initiated promptly following a rabies exposure, rabies can be prevented. However, if a rabies exposure is not treated and a person develops clinical signs of rabies, the disease almost always results in death.  ...read more read less