9 Terrifying Things In New Hampshire That Can (And Just Might) Kill You

Everyone in New Hampshire wants to see a Moose – until you actually see one! Each year in New Hampshire there are about 250 accidents between vehicles and moose. There are about 6,000 moose in New Hampshire, and the majestic beasts weigh about 1,000 pounds. Their massive height – about 6 feet – means that if your car does hit one, it is likely to land on the windshield or roof, risking the lives of the people inside the car.

Winter in New Hampshire is no joke, and can sometimes even be deadly. Frostbite is when your skin freezes, and can cause permanent damage. It can happen any time you are exposed to the cold for long periods of time, and is especially likely if the temperature drops below 5 degrees, which is a typical winter night in New Hampshire. That’s why it’s so important to always be prepared with the right equipment.

Whether or not there are mountain lions in New Hampshire is currently a source of fierce debate. In recent years there have been more reports of mountain lions in New Hampshire, including credible reports in Derry and Windham. But if there’s any chance these beasts are in the woods, we’re a little weary of hiking.

Although they aren’t as large as moose, deer are more plentiful, and wreak havoc on drivers in New Hampshire. Each year there are about 1,200 car accidents involving deer. New Hampshire rates 11th in the nation for deer collisions, and your chances of hitting one in a given year are about 1 in 300.

Every year, hikers die on Mount Washington, which some in the hiking community call the most dangerous small mountain in the world. Mount Washington’s notoriously unpredictable weather patterns – the summit is where the highest wind ever recorded was clocked – make it especially dangerous, and not just during the winter months. Hikers are advised to be prepared for dangerously cold weather year round, and to be aware that strong winds often confuse and disorient hikers, even after they’ve reached the summit.

We’ve all seen the photos of vehicles half submerged in a lake or stream. Most waterways are frozen solid during a New Hampshire winter, but ice is unpredictable, and thin ice can be deadly. Each year, winter adventurers die when their snowmobiles crash through the ice on New Hampshire lakes. It’s no wonder that the saying "Stay Dry to Stay Alive" has taken root in the New Hampshire snowmobile community.

These little suckers aren’t just creepy, they’re also incredibly dangerous – even deadly. In 2014, New Hampshire was the state with the highest rate of Lyme disease in the country. This disease is spread by ticks, and can cause rash, flu-like symptoms, and achiness in the limbs. It’s important to check yourself for ticks daily.

Heart disease is the number one killer throughout the country and that’s true in the Granite State as well. Don’t fret too much though – New Hampshire ranks 40th in the country for deaths from heart disease. Physical activity and healthy eating can help prevent heart disease.

Just when you think you’ve survived all that New Hampshire can throw at you, the tourists arrive. Each year thousands of tourists flock to New Hampshire during the peak summer season, and again during ski season. With aggressive driving and crowds everywhere, you’ll want to avoid the tourist tide.