A boy was badly injured after a rabid beaver attacked him and several other people at a lake in New Jersey. 

The boy was fishing at Continental Soldiers Park around 6pm on Sunday when a beaver charged him from the water, Captain Michael Blondin of the Mahwah Police Department said.

The child tried to run but tripped before the animal repeatedly bit at his upper thigh.

A family friend was able to get the beaver off with several kicks and strikes, but it stayed nearby as first responders arrived after retreating, Blondin said.

The boy was taken to a local hospital, where he was given medical attention and is waiting for test results.

The beaver was removed from the park and tested positive for rabies, according to a statement from the town on Tuesday.

Officials added that those who interacted with the animal are also being treated.

The township urged anyone else who had contact with the sick creature to notify the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately.

Rabies is an extremely deadly virus that spreads from the saliva of an infected animal to humans, but it can be treated.

However, if symptoms start, rabies is almost always fatal, according to Rabies Watch.

Officials were also informed about a video circulating online and reports of the same beaver acting erratically at the park on Sunday.

One video seen by the Daily Mail showed a family on the edge of the lake being viciously attacked by a beaver.

The animal showed no fear, charging a group of four people before it was finally grabbed and tossed into the water.

Blondin told the Daily Mail that the family from the footage has been identified and are being treated as well. 

Beavers are common in New Jersey and are not known to be dangerous.

However, they will defend themselves or their territory if threatened, according to Critter Control.

Beavers are approximately 3 to 4ft in length and weigh between 30 and 70 lbs.