WASHINGTON – A beaver that attacked an 83-year-old woman while she was swimming in the Bailey’s Crossroads area of Virginia tested positive for rabies, police say.

Fairfax County police say the woman was swimming in Lake Barcroft – a private lake surrounded by private homes – at about 6 p.m. when the beaver attacked her.

Lake Barcroft is a popular swimming and fishing area.

Police say the woman got to shore and a nearby witness stunned the beaver with a branch until Animal Control Officers arrived. The animal was euthanized.

Police say the victim was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities are reminding residents to report any sick or injured wild animals to the Fairfax County police, (703) 691-2131.

Here’s more information on human exposure to rabies.

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