A family had to set up a GoFundMe to help cover the damages to their car left behind by a black bear.
Two of the most dangerous animals in the world can be found in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire might not seem like the locale for dangerous animals. After all, its mountainous terrain and cold winters prevent animals like crocodiles and scorpions from making a home in the state.
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It’s true that very few people are killed by animals in New Hampshire, and most are not dangerous unless provoked. But according to BBC’s Science Focus Magazine, mosquitos and snakes are two of the most dangerous animals in the world – and both can be found in New Hampshire.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world, killing over 725,000 people a year through diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
There are more than 40 species of mosquitos in New Hampshire, according to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and only a small number of these carry and spread EEE and WNV. Still, DHHS recommends using effective mosquito repellants when mosquitos are biting and contact your health care providers if you develop symptoms of these diseases, like headache, neck stiffness, fever or paralysis.
Timber rattlesnake
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New Hampshire has one venomous snake: the timber rattlesnake. In New Hampshire, it looks like a large, thick black snake with brown cross-bands and a triangular head.
Most timber rattlesnake bites are not deadly, but you should seek immediate medical attention if you get bit.
But luckily, it’s rare to run into one in New Hampshire: while historically this snake ranged from the Massachusetts border up to the White Mountains, the species is now endangered with just one known population in the state.
More: NH’s only venomous snake is the most endangered animal in the state. What to know about them
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Black bears
Black bears are generally shy and like to avoid humans, but they are still dangerous. If you encounter a bear, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says to keep your distance and make loud noises. If a black bear attacks you, you should fight back rather than play dead.
Black bears are capable of killing people, but don’t fear – it’s extremely rare. According to NH Fish and Game, the last time a person was killed by a black bear in New Hampshire was 1784.
Moose
At 1,000 pounds and six feet tall, a moose can pose a significant threat if it becomes aggressive.
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Warning signs that a moose is anxious or agitated, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club, include laid back ears, hair standing up on the back of their neck, smacking their lips, or tossing their head upwards. If a moose charges, you should run and continue to try to escape even if it makes contact. To avoid conflicts, it’s best to stay a safe distance away.
According to the AMC, there has never been a human fatality from a moose attack in the Northeast. Moose pose a greater danger to people in cars: several people die every year in moose-vehicle car collisions in the Northeast.
Moose occur throughout New Hampshire, but are most numerous north of the White Mountains, according to NH Fish and Game.
Black Widow spider
Black widows have a venomous bite 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake. According to the Connecticut Poison Control Center, black widow bites can cause redness and pain, but generally no serious symptoms.
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And like the rattlesnake, the spiders aren’t hostile unless threatened and they’re rare to cross paths with: they are only found in the southern parts of New Hampshire.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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