Damn, that’s one wildlife threat I never really considered. None near me, but I’ve spent a lot of time in their habitat. I’ll remember this next time i’m in MN.
I work in beaver country and see many throughout the course of a year. They are aggressive! When you're invading their water space, you'll get notified by repeated (and loud) tail slaps on the water. I've had one encircle my canoe. I've even encountered many on land. They're much bigger than you imagine. They could easily take down a medium-sized dog.
Fun to watch them, but keep your distance.
I will keep this in mind- I kayak all the time in the warmer months on the Potomac near where at least one of the cited incidents took place, we do have them here.
I'll have to add something to my safety rig. I'd prefer it not be a pistol, for a number of reasons.