Lake George Beaver Attack
Vermont man attacked by possibly rabid beaver in New York's Lake George, officials warn visitors.
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A Vermont man is recovering after a beaver bit him repeatedly while he swam in Lake George, New York. Brandon Shortsleeve said the animal "was out for blood" — attacking him, his friend, and several other swimmers in the same outing, according to WISN.
Authorities believe the beaver was rabid. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has warned visitors to Lake George to stay cautious near the water, according to WMUR.
Swimmer Tried to Help Before Getting Bitten
The attack happened during a trip to Lake George, a popular tourist spot in upstate New York. Shortsleeve was in the water when the beaver first went after his friend. He jumped in to help — and that's when the animal turned on him, according to WVTM13.
The beaver bit Shortsleeve multiple times before bystanders were finally able to get everyone out of the water. The young animal did not back down easily. Shortsleeve's description was blunt: the beaver was relentless and showed no fear of people, KCCI reported.
Rabies Suspected as Cause of Aggressive Behavior
Beavers do not normally attack people. Experts say a beaver acting this aggressively is a strong sign of rabies. Rabies is a virus that spreads through bites and can change how an animal behaves, making it bold and violent, according to KMBC.
The good news: while beavers can catch rabies from other animals, they rarely spread it through their colony. That limits how far the disease travels among local wildlife. Still, anyone bitten by a wild animal should see a doctor right away.
State Issues Warning for Lake George Visitors
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation responded quickly after the attack. The agency warned people visiting Lake George to keep their distance from beavers and other wild animals. Officials urged swimmers not to approach wildlife, even if an animal seems calm, according to Gulf Coast News Now.
Lake George draws thousands of tourists each summer. The warning is a reminder that wild animals live in and around the lake. Visitors should report any animal acting strangely to local wildlife officials right away, WBAL-TV reported.
Shortsleeve Recovering but Faces Rabies Treatment
Shortsleeve is now recovering from his injuries. Because the beaver was likely rabid, he faces a series of rabies shots — a standard treatment after any suspected rabies exposure. The shots must start quickly after a bite to work properly, according to WMUR.
Rabies treatment after exposure involves several injections over a few weeks. It is highly effective when started early. Doctors say waiting too long can be deadly. Shortsleeve's quick decision to seek care likely made a big difference in his outcome.
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