The man was found three miles from the nearest road on the Halfmoon Pond snowmobile trail with serious leg and arm injuries, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. He had swerved to avoid the coyote and struck a stone wall.
The crash occurred in Washington, roughly 45 minutes southeast of Hanover. Multiple agencies responded to the remote location, including Washington Fire-Rescue, New London Hospital EMS, and Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Rapid Response Team.
Rescue crews transported the injured rider out of the backcountry to a waiting ambulance, which took him to Concord Hospital. His current condition has not been released.
The incident highlights the challenges of emergency response in New Hampshire’s extensive snowmobile trail system, which draws thousands of riders each winter to areas often far from roads. Pillsbury State Park’s trail network connects to the statewide system that brings recreational traffic through the Upper Valley region.
Wildlife encounters on snowmobile trails have become more common as coyote populations expand across New Hampshire. The animals often use packed trails for easier winter travel, creating potential conflicts with recreational users.
Fish and Game officials continue to investigate the crash. The department reminds snowmobilers to reduce speed in areas with limited visibility and to be prepared for wildlife on trails.
