Contoocook Woman Rescued After Becoming Disoriented In The Woods In Warner

WARNER, NH — A woman from Contoocook and her dog were found unharmed Wednesday night after she became lost in the woods in Warner while trying to reach Bear Pond to go fishing, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

New Hampshire State Police Dispatch received a call at about 9:15 p.m. on May 14 from a woman in Warner who was lost in the woods and could not find her way back to the trail. The woman was identified as Kasey Czarnecki, 22, of Contoocook. Fish and Game reported that Czarnecki had gone off trail with her dog shortly before sunset in an attempt to reach Bear Pond.

After darkness arrived, she became disoriented, according to Fish and Game. Because of the weather conditions at the time, she was also cold and wet and eventually became stuck in a wetland, the agency reported.

At about 10:15 p.m., a conservation officer with New Hampshire Fish and Game arrived at the end of Bound Tree Road on the Hopkinton-Warner town line, according to the agency. Within minutes of arriving, Czarnecki was located through verbal calling.

After voice contact was made, Czarnecki hiked toward the conservation officer's lights and reached the trail, according to Fish and Game. The conservation officer and Czarnecki then walked out of the woods to the end of Bound Tree Road.

Fish and Game reported both Czarnecki and her dog were unharmed.

In its public reminder after the incident, New Hampshire Fish and Game urged people heading outdoors to prepare for changing conditions. The agency said people should dress in accordance with the forecast and always carry additional light sources when recreating outdoors.

The incident began in Warner and ended near the Hopkinton-Warner line, where the officer made contact and helped guide Czarnecki back to the trail. No injuries were reported, according to Fish and Game.

Fish and Game did not report any further search activity after Czarnecki and her dog walked out of the woods. The agency's statement focused on outdoor safety preparations, especially clothing and backup light sources for anyone recreating outside after sunset or in unsettled weather.