Rabid beaver confirmed near Turtle Island after July 4 attack

New York environmental officials say a beaver recovered near Turtle Island has tested positive for rabies, prompting an extension of a swimming advisory at the popular Lake George destination.The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Friday that it recovered a dead beaver in the water near Turtle Island on July 9. Laboratory testing confirmed the animal was infected with rabies.The advisory urging swimmers to avoid the area around Turtle Island will remain in effect through at least July 14.Officials said they cannot confirm whether the rabid beaver is the same animal that bit two people near Turtle Island on July 4. It is possible the infected beaver exposed others in the colony.The advisory follows an incident in which two swimmers, including a Burlington man, were bitten while in the water near Turtle Island. Both were treated with rabies vaccinations.DEC is continuing to monitor the beaver colony and is urging boaters and campers to avoid all contact with beavers, including carcasses. Officials also remind visitors never to approach or feed wildlife.Anyone who sees a beaver in the area displaying unusual behavior is asked to contact NYSDEC Dispatch at (518) 897-1326.

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. —

New York environmental officials say a beaver recovered near Turtle Island has tested positive for rabies, prompting an extension of a swimming advisory at the popular Lake George destination.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Friday that it recovered a dead beaver in the water near Turtle Island on July 9. Laboratory testing confirmed the animal was infected with rabies.

The advisory urging swimmers to avoid the area around Turtle Island will remain in effect through at least July 14.

Officials said they cannot confirm whether the rabid beaver is the same animal that bit two people near Turtle Island on July 4. It is possible the infected beaver exposed others in the colony.

The advisory follows an incident in which two swimmers, including a Burlington man, were bitten while in the water near Turtle Island. Both were treated with rabies vaccinations.

DEC is continuing to monitor the beaver colony and is urging boaters and campers to avoid all contact with beavers, including carcasses. Officials also remind visitors never to approach or feed wildlife.

Anyone who sees a beaver in the area displaying unusual behavior is asked to contact NYSDEC Dispatch at (518) 897-1326.