A frightening Maryland wildlife attack is drawing renewed attention after new details revealed just how violent the encounter was — and how much damage 13-year-old Dominick Cebula suffered before he managed to escape.

Dominick was swimming at Cunningham Falls State Park on July 26 when the beaver suddenly moved toward him while he was underwater looking at fish. According to his family, the animal latched onto his chest and began shaking its head while he tried desperately to pull it away.

Even after Dominick managed to break free, the attack was not over. The beaver came at him again and bit his right hand, leaving serious injuries to both his hands and chest. He was airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where doctors treated him for rabies exposure and performed three surgeries.

One of the most serious consequences was extensive nerve damage. Dominick still has numbness in parts of his hands and chest, and doctors say he is expected to need another operation to repair a severed nerve.

Wildlife officials later captured and euthanized the beaver. Testing confirmed that the animal was rabid, turning what initially looked like an extremely rare animal attack into a serious public-health emergency. Dominick received post-exposure rabies treatment, which is highly effective when given promptly.

The case has become even more concerning because Dominick’s attack was not the only rabid-beaver incident in Maryland this summer. A 19-year-old was attacked at the same state park on August 5, and a 10-year-old girl was attacked days later at Seneca Creek State Park. Both animals were also confirmed rabid.

In response, Maryland wildlife officials dismantled a beaver lodge, increased surveillance and began removing additional beavers from affected areas. Authorities have reminded visitors to keep their distance from wild animals and seek immediate medical attention after any bite or scratch.