A scenic weekend upstate took a wildly unexpected turn when two swimmers were attacked by an aggressive beaver at Lake George. T
he New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officially issued a water safety advisory for parts of Turtle Island, and the details are honestly straight out of a nature thriller.
We all expect the occasional mosquito or curious raccoon during a camping trip, but a hostile beaver is definitely not on the summer bingo card.
Here are the details and what to know if you’re heading there for a weekend getaway.
What exactly went down on Turtle Island?
The Fourth of July festivities were abruptly cut short for a group of friends vacationing at this popular summer spot.
According to NBC 5, a 29-year-old Burlington resident named Brandon Shortsleeve was relaxing with his crew when a beaver suddenly swam up and bit his friend who was lounging on a pool float.
Shortsleeve immediately jumped into the water to save his buddy but quickly became the animal’s next target. The aggressive creature bit him on the finger, wrist, and stomach before the men could finally escape the water.
Both victims rushed to a local hospital to begin rabies post-exposure treatments, as reported by WPTZ.
Wild beavers usually mind their own business and stick to building dams, so authorities suspect this sudden hostility is a clear sign of a rabies infection.
The DEC issues a strict no swim zone
Because of this terrifying encounter, the DEC completely shut down swimming around campsites 1 through 5 on Turtle Island.
This temporary ban remains in effect through at least July 14 while conservation officers closely monitor the local beaver colony.
While the attack happened about 150 feet from a known beaver dam, wildlife experts believe the aggressive behavior points to illness rather than simple territorial instincts.
How to stay safe during your upstate escape
Taking a break from the city heat is still highly encouraged, but you definitely need to keep your guard up around wildlife.
As New York Upstate reminds visitors, rabid animals often show sudden behavioral changes that are easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Keep an eye out for these major red flags:
- Animals acting unusually tame or friendly
- Sudden aggression without any warning
- Disorientation, staggering, or signs of paralysis
- Frothing at the mouth or making bizarre sounds
Anyone boating, camping, or hiking near Lake George must avoid contact with beavers entirely.
You should never approach an animal acting strangely.
Instead, report any suspicious wildlife activity directly to the DEC at 518-623-1200.
You can also call NYSDEC Dispatch at 518-897-1326 for immediate emergencies.
Stay safe out there, keep your distance from the wildlife, and maybe check out some other parts of Lake George instead!