NEW JERSEY: An eight-year-old boy was reportedly attacked by a rabid beaver while fishing with his family at Lake Henry in Mahwah, in an incident that was captured on video and widely shared online.
According to Mahwah Police Department, the beaver suddenly emerged from the water and charged at the child, who tripped while trying to escape before the animal bit him on the upper thigh.
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Family members and a friend reportedly fought off the animal by kicking and striking it before it retreated back into the lake.
The boy was later taken to hospital for treatment, while authorities said several other people may also have been attacked or bitten by the same animal earlier that day.
Officials later confirmed that the beaver tested positive for rabies, prompting the Mahwah Township Health Department to issue a public warning advising anyone who had contact with the animal to seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
Video footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media, with many users expressing shock over the unusually aggressive behaviour of the animal.
While authorities reminded the public to avoid approaching wildlife as any warm-blooded animal can potentially carry rabies.
