Beaver attacks swimmer in Lake Barcroft

American beaver

Police from the Mason District report an 83-year-old woman was attacked by a beaver while she was swimming in Lake Barcroft Sept. 4, around 6 p.m. The beaver has tested positive for the rabies virus, according to a police update issued Sept. 5.

“The woman managed to get to shore,” states an earlier police news bulletin. “A nearby witness stunned the animal with a branch until Animal Control Officers responded to the scene. The animal was euthanized and will be tested for rabies. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital where she was treated for non life-threatening injuries.”

According to the Washington Post local crime blog, “the animal bit the woman on multiple parts of her body.”

Lake Barcroft Association President Sally Determan and Water Safety Chair
Pat Payne sent a notice to residents stating, “Until we know more about the
animal’s condition and have more information about possible danger from other
animals in the lake, no one is permitted to swim in Lake Barcroft.”