Bat and skunk test positive for rabies in Charles Co., following 2 rabid beaver attacks

Two animals in Charles County, Maryland, have tested positive for rabies, according to the county’s health department.

A bat and a skunk were both found to have the disease and the health department is warning area residents to keep an eye out and avoid contact with unknown animals and wildlife.

The bat was discovered in Waldorf and the skunk was found in Port Tobacco. Both animals tested positive for rabies on Friday.

This comes after three attacks within a month by beavers at Maryland state parks. Two beavers that bit people at Cunningham Falls State Park tested positive for rabies. A beaver that attacked a 10-year-old girl at Seneca Creek State Park was not found but was presumed rabid.

The Charles County Health Department is hosting a free drive-through rabies clinic with Charles County Animal Control on Oct. 18 and Nov. 15 for dogs, cats and ferrets in La Plata from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact 301-609-3425 or 301-609-6751 for more information.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Valerie Bonk

Valerie Bonk started working at WTOP in 2016 and has lived in Howard County, Maryland, her entire life. She's thrilled to be a reporter for WTOP telling stories on air. She works as both a television and radio reporter in the Maryland and D.C. areas. 

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up