I Saw a Mountain Lion in Lancaster, NH

**One Ordinary Autumn Evening**

Lancaster, New Hampshire, nestled in the heart of the North Country, is known for its serene landscapes, picturesque beauty, and the tranquility that comes with living in a small town. The town’s charm is not just limited to its friendly residents and pristine natural surroundings; it also boasts a diverse wildlife population. While sightings of deer, moose, and black bears are relatively common in this part of the world, there’s one elusive creature that continues to captivate the imagination of locals and visitors alike – the mountain lion.  And yet, I was one of the fortunate few who saw a mountain lion, right here, in Lancaster, NH.

**Setting the Scene**

It was a crisp autumn evening, and I was returning from a carpet cleaning job for a client in Lancaster.  The setting sun was lazily peering through the dense canopy of colorful leaves, as I headed east on route 2 (Lancaster Road).   I’m an extremely attentive driver, and as it was getting darker, I proceeded with great attention, eyes peering. It’s not uncommon to see bicyclists, joggers, strolling couples,  or even a moose that might suddenly cross one’s path.  Normally the speed limit for route 2 is 50 mph, but in this section, it remains at 30 for at least a mile or two out of Lancaster, and that’s exactly how fast I was driving. 

**The Map**

The map below indicates exactly where I saw the mountain lion. There’s a street called “evergreen” that is just above Cabot Inn & Suites on the following map. I was heading away from Lancaster, which appears to be South on this map, and the mountain lion was on my right, which would appear as NorthEast of route 2 (Lancaster Rd.) on this map.

**I Saw a Mountain Lion**

That’s when I saw it – a magnificent mountain lion, sleek and powerful, gracefully navigating the crossing potential about 30 yards ahead. My approaching headlights seemed of sudden concern, as the mountain lion paused at the edge of a long driveway. To my left it stood, with its piercing eyes glowing directly at me from the short distance, then it turned, and ran back down the driveway and across the forested front yard, disappearing in the shadows of setting light.

To be honest, I’ve never seen a mountain lion, and from my initial perspective, I was quite confused.  My first thought had been that I had seen an actual lion, a female lion.  Its size and its attributes seemed to fit in my mind’s eye, exactly the image of how an African female lion might appear.

My very first thought was of my camera on my phone, but alas, the lion was long out of site before the thought have ever surfaced.   In the next seconds, upon reasoning things out in my mind, I quickly concluded that perhaps, this must be a mountain lion.  I’d never suspected to see anything of that size, which seemed approximately 4 feet long and perhaps 160 pounds (just guessing).  I’d always supposed that a North American mountain lion might be perhaps a bit larger than a bob cat, perhaps the size of a terrier or a small german shepherd.

I decided to etch the image in my mind and to google some images as soon as I returned home, and that’s exactly what I did.

**The Aftermath**

Home at last, I queried images of mountain lions, and articles about mountain lions in NH.  As the first images surfaced, I found my self both elated, and dumbfounded.  Indeed, the images were precisely what I had witnessed.  What a thrill it was!  These are the moments in my life that I will always treasure, and I am so delighted that I had the good fortune to have this amazing experience.  In the end, the feeling and memory I hold of this event is simply beyond words.

**The Take Away**

My encounter with a mountain lion in Lancaster, NH, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will forever be etched in my memory. It served as a poignant reminder of the incredible beauty and mystery of the natural world that surrounds us, even in the most unexpected places.

Lancaster, with its serene charm and hidden wonders, continues to be a place of surprises and awe-inspiring moments for those willing to venture into its wilderness. And while mountain lion sightings may be rare, they serve as a testament to the untamed spirit of the North Country’s wilderness.

**I Saw a Mountain Lion, Again! Update**

Surprisingly, this was not my last or only experience with mountain lions.  About a year later, in the spring of 2023, I was traveling north on route 3 about 7AM in the morning, passing through Columbia, and very close to Colebrook, perhaps five or seven minutes ahead of me.   The sun had risen but the light was limited by the surrounding forest.  Suddenly I was delighted to see what I thought was a fox crossing the road, about 80 yards ahead.  As I approached, i noted that this animal was significantly larger than a fox.  Once crossed the beast quickly moved into an open and lit-up grass field to my right, and suddenly it became apparent that this was no fox, but alas, a mountain lion. 

For those who would request photos, I can only report that these moments pass in a blink and a flash, and by the time one thinks to “point and shoot”, the moment is long since passed.

Although these two sightings were as rare as they were spectacular, I’m a bit more reluctant about hiking, and being out alone in the forest.  On the one hand, it’s quite amazing to imagine, but on the other hand, it’s quite sobering to be aware that such powerful and formidable creatures walk the mountains of northern NH.   Although I do still venture out into the wilderness, I make sure to be prepared and cognizant of my surroundings when I do so.

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*Disclaimer: Mountain lions are wild animals, and it is crucial to prioritize safety when encountering them or any other wildlife. If you find yourself in such a situation, please observe from a safe distance and avoid any actions that may provoke or harm the animal. Always respect wildlife and their natural habitats.*

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