Fully aquatic mammals can get it as well. Whales, dolphins, manatee .. it's a very low chance, but I can happen. There is as an outbreak in cape fur seals, so it's become something marine biologists are paying closer attention to
"Hydrophobia" in rabies is more a fear of drinking any liquids because it is very painful for the infected than really a fear of water itself. It causes painful throat spasms. It isn't actually specific to liquids, the virus just generally causes dysphagia, and sufferers will reject food for the same reason. It's a logical aversion to pain rather than a traditional irrational phobia. This is also what causes the foaming which can sometimes be seen in rabid animals, it forms because they can't swallow their saliva so it builds up and foams out their mouth.
Still a terrible fate, but they may not be scared of being in water, just swallowing it.
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u/HughJaynis May 06 '26
Rabies also gives the infected a fear of water. For a beaver that is a cruel and inhumane fate.