Attacks on a human or domestic pet by beavers are relatively uncommon but are becoming more frequently reported, as it is more common for humans to enter and disturb the natural habitat of these animals.
Beavers have been known to be extremely aggressive in defending their territory against perceived encroachment.[1] They may attack humans when infected by rabies,[2] and "can also become disoriented during the daytime and attack out of fear."[3] Attacks on land and in water have been recorded for both Eurasian beavers and North American beavers. The trademark sharp front teeth of both species pose a particular danger, as they are long enough to pass through limbs and cause significant bleeding.[4]
At least one beaver attack on a human is known to have been fatal: a 60-year-old fisherman in Belarus died in 2013 after a beaver bit open an artery in his leg.[3] The incident was described by the media as "the latest in a series of beaver attacks on humans in the country," where a burgeoning beaver population has led to increased aggressive interactions with people.[3] However, others criticized the victim, noting that he likely provoked the attack when he grabbed the beaver in an effort to take a photo with it.[5]
Non-fatal attacks on humans have included: an attack on a saltwater snorkeler off the coast of Nova Scotia, which was unusual given that beavers are usually limited to fresh water;[4] the mauling of an elderly woman in Virginia by a rabid beaver;[2] an attack on a Boy Scout leader in Pennsylvania, after which members of the Scout troop killed the rabid animal by stoning;[6] and an attack on a man swimming in Dobra River, Croatia.[7] In 2021, an elderly Massachusetts man was also attacked by a beaver that left him with bites to his legs, hands and head.[8]
Beaver attacks can also be fatal for domestic animals. A dog died during surgery after being bitten by a beaver in 2010 at University Lake in Alaska, where a number of unprovoked attacks against pets were recorded.[9] A husky was killed by a beaver in Alberta, which has also had several non-fatal attacks.[10]
^Boonstra, R (2013). "Beaver". Canadian Encyclopedia.
^ abHuget, Jennifer LaRue (6 September 2012). "Beavers and rabies". Washington Post.
^ abc"Beaver kills man in Belarus". The Guardian. Associated Press. 29 May 2013.
^ abBeswick, Aaron (4 September 2014). "Angry beaver attacks man on Nova Scotia's eastern shore". The Chronicle Herald.
^Mona, Kirk Carter (1 November 2013). "When Beavers Attack". Legacy. pp. 26–27.
^"Scouts stone rabid beaver to death after attack". CBS. 13 August 2012.
^"Karlovčanina ugrizao dabar dok se kupao u Dobri". Jutarnji list (in Croatian). 26 July 2013. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014.
^Keer, Tom (23 September 2021). "Beaver Attacks and Nearly Kills Massachusetts Man". Field & Stream.
^Shinohara, Rosemary (11 June 2011). "Beavers get tough defending their turf". Alaska Dispatch News.
^Komarnicki, Jamie (15 July 2010). "National symbol puts fear into pet owners". Calgary Herald. p. A3.
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