Beaver Savagely Attacks Kayaker

Newser ^ | June 17, 2014 | Evann Gastaldo

[Enterprise]

"A kayaker in Upstate New York was hospitalized after being attacked by a beaver in Irondequoit Creek last week. Michael Cavanaugh was knocked into the water when the beaver jumped out of the creek and started mauling him, biting him on his back and arm. "I heard my name called out from the shop and I ran out the door to see a guy getting pulled into the water," a trainer at BayCreek Paddling Center tells WHAM. "It was like watching a horror film." Cavanaugh was able to get to the dock, but the beaver wouldn't let go, so the trainer started hitting him with a paddle until the paddle broke and the beaver finally retreated."

[Enterprise]

I agree, but sometimes you have to settle for what you have. A beaver in the hand is better than two beavers in the bush.

[tsomer]

It's a possibility that the beaver had rabies.

I've never heard of a beaver starting a fight.

Rabies should be assumed until you can rule it out, imo. Despite the advances claimed for coma therapy- it's still assumed to be 100% fatal. The girl who was successfully treated had actually received preliminary treatment before her infection developed fully, so many attribute that to her survival. Treatment is less painful now than before.

Incidence of infection in animals seems to be on the increase--it seems to be cyclic, almost a sine curve when charted graphically.

Stories like this are good reminders: once the disease fully develops, you die and in unspeakable agony.

[Borax Queen]

Derly - how could you???!!!

[uglybiker]

Well....gee whiz, Mom!
Eddie an' Lumpy told me if I didn't do it, I was a chicken!