What started as a peaceful evening of fishing turned into pure terror for one New Jersey family after an aggressive beaver suddenly charged out of the water and viciously attacked an 8-year-old boy near a local lake.
The horrifying incident happened Sunday evening at Lake Henry inside the Continental Soldiers Park complex in Mahwah, New Jersey, according to police.
Authorities say the young boy was fishing near the shoreline just before 6 p.m. when the beaver unexpectedly burst from the lake and sprinted directly toward him.
“The child began to run away but tripped,” Mahwah Police Capt. Michael Blondin told PIX11 News. “The animal bit the child in the upper thigh and continued to attack him.”
Panic erupted as the crazed animal allegedly kept coming after the terrified child while family members scrambled to help.
The nightmare only ended when a family friend jumped in and fought off the attacking beaver by kicking and hitting it until it finally backed away.
The injured boy was rushed by EMS to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, where he was treated for his injuries.
But the frightening ordeal didn’t stop there.
Animal control officers who responded to the scene quickly noticed the beaver appeared sick and was behaving abnormally. The animal was captured and removed from the park for testing.
Days later, officials confirmed everyone’s worst fears.
The Township of Mahwah announced Tuesday that the beaver tested positive for rabies after reportedly coming into contact with several people around the lake.
“If you have had any contact with this animal, please notify the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately,” the township warned in a Facebook post. “You will need to be assessed by a doctor for medical treatment.”
Officials also reminded residents to stay away from wild animals, warning that any warm-blooded animal can potentially carry the deadly virus.
Beavers are commonly found throughout New Jersey, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection, but attacks involving rabid animals are extremely rare — making the shocking assault even more disturbing for local families who frequent the popular park.
Praying for the boy that he has a full recovery.🙏🙏🙏
Praying for all involved 🙏🙏🙏