Lebanon, NH Police Hunt Aggressive Wild Animal After Three Attacks in 48 Hours
An unusually aggressive wild animal, identified by witnesses as a gray fox or fisher, attacked three people in the Centerra Park area of Lebanon, New Hampshire, over a 48-hour period starting August 30. Surveillance footage shows the creature charging at victims near a U-Haul truck, grabbing bags, and targeting feet and legs. Police Chief Phillip Roberts suspects the animal may be suffering from rabies or another illness, as such behavior is atypical for these species. Authorities have launched a search using thermal imaging drones and foot patrols but have not yet captured the animal. Residents are urged to avoid approaching wild animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched.
Key points
- Three separate attacks occurred in the Centerra Park area of Lebanon, NH, between August 30 and September 1, 2026.
- The animal is described as a small, gray creature, likely a gray fox or fisher cat, based on witness accounts and surveillance video.
- The first incident involved a man loading a vehicle who was attacked near his shoe or pant leg; he kicked the animal away.
- Subsequent attacks included the creature grabbing a bag and targeting victims' feet and legs in a parking lot.
- Lebanon Police Chief Phillip Roberts stated that the aggressive behavior suggests the animal may be ill, possibly with rabies or distemper.
- Police are coordinating with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to locate and test the animal.
Background
This incident follows earlier local coverage in September 2026 regarding the same series of attacks in Lebanon, NH. Prior reports confirmed the police response involving drone searches and public warnings about potential rabies exposure. The current briefing synthesizes the initial reports from late August and early September, detailing the escalation from a single incident to three confirmed attacks within two days.
How outlets are covering it
Outlets differ in their identification of the animal and the severity of the injuries. The New York Post and NBC Boston emphasize the 'fisher cat' identification and the broader public fear, noting that the animal was 'unusually aggressive.' In contrast, the Valley News reports that conservation officer Eric Brown believes the animal was a gray fox and notes that the first victim was not injured and the animal did not break skin, though rabies treatment was recommended as a precaution. WCAX highlights the use of thermal imaging drones in the search. While all sources agree on the location (Centerra Park) and the timeline (late August to early September), they vary on whether the attacks resulted in physical injury, with some noting scratches and others stating no skin was broken.
Why it matters
The incident raises significant public health concerns regarding potential rabies transmission in a residential area. The aggressive behavior of a typically shy animal indicates a possible disease outbreak, prompting authorities to issue strict safety advisories. The inability to locate the animal quickly prolongs the risk to residents and visitors, necessitating heightened vigilance and immediate medical response for any wildlife contact.
What to watch
Police and Fish and Game officers will continue searching for the animal using thermal imaging and foot patrols. Residents are expected to remain alert and report any sightings. If the animal is captured, it will be tested for rabies and other illnesses. Public health officials may issue further advisories if additional attacks are reported.
- Mystery animal terrorizing New Hampshire neighborhood after attacking 3rd person New York Post
- Suspected gray fox attack in Lebanon parking lot prompts public warning vnews.com
- Police search for animal involved in 3 attacks in Lebanon wcax.com
- Animal, believed to be a fisher cat, attacks person in NH NBC Boston
- ‘Unusually aggressive’ animal believed to be a fisher or fox has attacked multiple people in Lebanon, N.H., police say The Boston Globe
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