UPDATE: The beaver that attacked a woman at Lake Barcroft on Tuesday has tested positive for rabies. Police ask residents to report any sick or injured wild animals to the Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131. For more information on rabies and human exposures to rabies, please visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/animal/rabies.htm.
An 83-year-old woman was attacked by a beaver while she was swimming in Lake Barcroft yesterday evening.
According to police reports, the woman managed to get to shore and 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.
Lake Barcroft is a private lake in the Bailey’s Crossroads area surrounded by private homes where residents swim and fish.
