Now from the feline news desk at WMEO 9 — We Meow, You Listen — we bring you the latest update on the rabid beaver situation in beautiful Lake George, NY.
Dateline: Turtle Island, Lake George, New York The WMEO newsroom is issuing an urgent wildlife safety alert after a rabid beaver attacked swimmers on July 4th. The victims fought off the animal and were transported for hospital treatment, including post‑exposure rabies shots.
A dead beaver was later recovered . The beaver subsequently tested positive for rabies.
Story credit: WPTZ NewsChannel 5.
Rabid beavers are extremely rare. Cape Cod has had rabid raccoons in the past, and officials believe this beaver may have contracted rabies from a raccoon. Rare doesn’t mean impossible — and this incident is a reminder that wildlife can behave unpredictably when sick.
WMEO Newsroom Reaction
Banner’s Response
Banner immediately leapt onto the anchor desk, puffed up like a tiny orange emergency beacon, and announced:
“I knew beavers were suspicious! This is why I don’t swim. Water is plotting things.”
He then attempted to draw a “danger map” of Lake George using a paw dipped in tuna juice. It was… interpretive at best.
Balboa’s Response
Balboa froze mid‑snack, eyes wide, tail tucked, and whispered:
“Rabid… beavers? Deborah, I’m staying inside forever. I’ll just live in my box.”
He checked the WMEO garden cam three times to ensure no beavers were approaching the house.
WMEO Safety Bulletin
While the newsroom cats are spiraling, here’s the real takeaway:
- Never approach wildlife, even if it looks calm or curious.
- Leave swimming animals alone — especially if they’re behaving strangely.
- Report unusual or aggressive behavior to local authorities.
- Rabies is fatal if untreated, so post‑exposure shots are essential.
- Any mammal can carry rabies, even species we don’t normally associate with it.
Nature is beautiful — but it’s also wild, and sometimes dangerous.
WMEO Closing Note
Banner has issued a formal statement demanding “protective floaties for all cats.” Balboa has requested “a beaver‑free perimeter around Turtle Island.” Both requests have been denied.
Stay safe out there, friends. Respect wildlife. And remember: if a beaver starts swimming toward you with purpose… exit the water immediately.
End of bulletin. Please resume your regularly scheduled scrolling.
This has been a WMEO 9 New Update!