News Release

Rock Creek Park reminds visitors to keep pets on a leash

Date: May 24, 2023
Contact: Chelsea Sullivan, 202-619-7177

WASHINGTON— On Sunday, May 14, an off-leash dog attacked a wild beaver in Rock Creek Park near Boulder Bridge. Due to the severity of its injuries, the beaver was euthanized. The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors that dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet in Rock Creek Park and other local national parks at all times—it's the law.   

Keeping your dog on a leash keeps everyone safe, including your dog, park wildlife, native plants and other park visitors. Federal regulations require all pets to be always on a leash no longer than six feet: 

• to ensure the safety of your pet; 
• to reduce conflicts with other visitors and their pets; 
• to limit potential exposure and spread of disease, and; 
• to protect wildlife, such as beavers, red foxes, coyotes and more. 

Beavers are native to Rock Creek Park. On any given day visitors can find evidence of beaver activity from dams they have built to trees they have chewed on. It is always exciting to see a beaver in the park, but visitors and their pets should always recreate responsibly and stay a safe distance from any wildlife.  

Learn more about how to safely and responsibly recreate with your dog in Rock Creek Park.
 

-NPS-