13-Year-Old Has Had 3 Surgeries After Fighting Off Rabid Beaver, the Latest of Separate Attacks in Maryland

A 13-year-old boy, Dominick Cebula, is currently on the mend after suffering severe injuries from an attack by a rabid beaver at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, Maryland. The incident took place on July 26, as Dominick was swimming underwater, observing fish, when he was unexpectedly assaulted by the creature.

Dominick’s father, Jeff Cebula, described the harrowing experience to local CBS affiliate WUSA. He recounted how his son attempted to fend off the beaver, which clamped its jaws onto him. In a desperate struggle, Dominick initially managed to free himself but was bitten again, sustaining injuries to his right hand. His injuries propelled him to a Baltimore hospital where he underwent treatment for rabies exposure and had three surgeries to address serious wounds on his chest and hand, alongside significant nerve damage.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed that the beaver was captured, euthanised, and later tested positive for rabies. In light of the attack, Jeff expressed a newfound awareness of surroundings, noting that incidents like this are rare but shocking when they do occur.

Tragically, Dominick’s attack marks only one of a series of beaver encounters this summer in Maryland. Since then, two other individuals have also been attacked by rabid beavers in separate incidents. A 19-year-old fisherman was bitten on August 5 and subsequently received medical treatment after the animal was found and confirmed to have rabies. Additionally, on August 13, a 10-year-old girl was injured by a beaver while swimming at Seneca Creek State Park. She was treated for three lacerations to her upper leg, though it remains unclear whether the animal responsible for her injuries was the same one later discovered to be rabid.

The DNR issued a statement indicating that these recent events have prompted them to closely monitor the situation. Officials noted that the attack on the young girl is not directly linked to the incidents at Cunningham Falls State Park. In response to the incidents, parts of the parks were temporarily closed to ensure public safety while authorities confirmed that the areas were secure.

In light of the summer’s troubling incidents, the DNR has reminded the public that beavers are generally non-aggressive animals and tend to avoid humans. They advise maintaining a safe viewing distance of at least 25 yards from wildlife, particularly medium-sized creatures like beavers, which might feel threatened or cornered.

Support for Dominick has poured in online, with his aunt, Leigh Cebula, setting up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his medical expenses. She has assured well-wishers that Dominick did not provoke the beaver and emphasised the shocking nature of the attack as completely unprovoked. Thankfully, Dominick has shown signs of recovery, reaching a stage where he could celebrate both his birthday and prepare for the beginning of high school.

This series of beaver attacks has raised awareness about the risks associated with wildlife encounters and the importance of taking precautionary measures while enjoying outdoor recreational activities. The DNR continues to stress the need for immediate medical attention for anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal to mitigate potential health risks associated with rabies exposure.

As the community reflects on this unusual set of events, support for Dominick and calls for increased caution in wildlife encounters remain at the forefront of public discourse.