Can Beavers Carry Rabies?
Yes — beavers can get rabies. As a large rodent, the beaver is one of the few rodents (along with the groundhog) occasionally found rabid, unlike small rodents such as mice and squirrels. Rabid beavers have attacked people and pets unprovoked, so a beaver bite should always be evaluated (CDC).
Beavers are a large-rodent exception: rabies is uncommon but documented, and unprovoked attacks are a red flag.
Key facts about beavers and rabies
- As a large rodent, the beaver is one of the few rodents (with the groundhog) that is occasionally found rabid.
- Rabid beavers have made documented unprovoked attacks on swimmers and pets in the US.
- Beavers are normally shy and active at dawn/dusk; daytime aggression toward people is abnormal.
- A beaver bite should be evaluated rather than dismissed as a harmless rodent bite.
What to do after a beaver bite or exposure
- Get out of the water safely and wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical care the same day — beaver bites can be deep and also carry infection risk.
- Contact your local health department for a rabies risk assessment.
- Report the animal to wildlife officials, especially if the attack was unprovoked.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get rabies from a beaver?
Yes. Although rabies is uncommon in rodents, large rodents like beavers and groundhogs are occasionally infected, and rabid beavers have attacked people unprovoked. A beaver bite should be washed immediately and evaluated by a clinician (CDC).
Why would a beaver attack a person?
Healthy beavers avoid people. An unprovoked daytime attack — especially aggressive, persistent biting — can be a sign of rabies or distemper and should be reported to wildlife officials and evaluated medically.
Related animals
See the full animal rabies overview.
Sources
This page is for general education and reflects current CDC and WHO rabies guidance. It does not replace urgent medical or veterinary advice. If you may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical care promptly.