Lake George Swimming Advisory Issued Due to Potentially Rabid Beavers

The Department of Environmental Conservation is warning about a swimming advisory in Lake George.

NYS DEC Announces Swimming Advisory on Lake George

In a press release shared on July 9th, 2026, the NYS DEC made the following announcement:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a water safety advisory is now in effect for Turtle Island on Lake George in the Lake George Wild Forest.

The statement goes on to explain why the water safety, swimming advisory is in effect and the reason is definitely not what you're thinking.

Aggressive Beavers Cause Turtle Island Safety Advisory

One may think a swimming advisory or water safety advisory would have to do with pH levels in the water, or possibly dangerous algae blooms.

Not this time.

The NYS DEC explains that there is a safety advisory on Turtle Island due to beavers. Their statement explains:

DEC warns swimmers to avoid areas around campsites 1-5 at Turtle Island through at least July 14, 2026, due to the presence of one or more beaver that may be infected with rabies.

Currently the DEC is monitoring the beaver colony and requests that any Turtle Island visitors report any beaver sightings "in the area demonstrating unusual behavior."

According to NBC 5, a man is recovering after being attacked while swimming in the area of Turtle Island.

The DEC reminds the public that you should "never approach or feed any wildlife and should report unusual animal behavior." To report strange animal behavior call 518-623-1200.

Rabies Dangers in New York State

If you're not sure how rabid animals behave, the New York State DEC dedicated a website to information that can help the public identify rabid animals.

The DEC says "The first sign of rabies is usually a change in an animal's behavior." They add animals may "become unusually aggressive or tame.

The animal may lose its fear of people and natural enemies. A wild animal may appear affectionate and friendly. It may become excited or irritable and attack anything in its path.

Other rabies signs include frothing at the mouth, choking, convulsions and animals making unusual sounds.

As mentioned above, never approach an animal you believe to be rabid. If you think you've been exposed to rabies the DEC explains you should get treatment immediately writing:

If a rabies exposure is not treated and a person develops clinical signs of rabies, the disease almost always results in death.

Learn more about rabies and how to stay safe at health.ny.gov.