Mystery Animal Attacks Three in Lebanon, New Hampshire

A small, unidentified wild animal has attacked at least three people in Lebanon, New Hampshire, over a period of less than 48 hours, prompting a search by authorities who are concerned the creature may be rabid. The incidents occurred in the Centerra Park commercial area, a busy district with heavy foot traffic near Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The first attack was reported on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Surveillance video released by the Lebanon Police Department shows a small, aggressive animal lunging at a man in a parking lot near a U-Haul truck, attempting to latch onto his leg. The man fought back by kicking at the creature, which eventually retreated under the vehicle. Two additional attacks were reported in the same area on September 1, with the latest occurring Monday evening. In one of these incidents, the animal grabbed a man's bag. Witnesses have described the animal as either a gray fox or a fisher, a member of the weasel family. Both species are typically shy and avoid human contact, making the repeated, unprovoked aggression highly unusual. Lebanon Police Chief Phillip Roberts stated that the behavior is a major warning sign.