CONCORD, NH — With more bears, more trainees and more rescues than ever before, it’s all hands-on-deck for a new season of North Woods Law premiering on Animal Planet Sunday, August 19, at 9:00 p.m. From heart-stopping animal encounters to harrowing pursuits of dangerous offenders, the only thing the Conservation Officers of New Hampshire Fish and Game can expect is the unexpected.

New Hampshire is a premiere outdoors destination and because of its wild and rugged landscape, the work of its Conservation Officers is diverse and demanding. The officers are tasked with enforcing all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the state’s fish, wildlife, recreational vehicles, and marine resources. Search and rescue is a big part of their mission, too.

This season, in busy downtown Manchester, Conservation Officer Chris McKee and biologist Pat Tate attempt to remove a bear stubbornly clinging to a tree in a school playground. On Mount Washington, Officers Jim Cyrs and Matt Holmes battle the elements to rescue a group of stranded hikers. And when a local resident discovers a snake in his bed, Officer Kevin Bronson puts on a brave face…and a thick pair of gloves.

Other stories this season include Officer Joe Canfield uncovering an illegal fishing tournament that’s been going on for 45 years. With the help of Fish and Game’s resident tracker, K9 Ruby, Lieutenant Bill Boudreau and Officer Shawn McFazden investigate an illegal turkey hunt. And the chase is on as Sergeant Adam Cheney pursues a pair of dirt bikers trespassing on train tracks, and Officer James Benvenuti hunts down a pair of young men illegally taking lobsters.

And in a North Woods Law first, Officer Joe Canfield encounters a woman who has been hand feeding multiple bears in her backyard.

Animal Planet’s social media efforts across Facebook and Twitter via @AnimalPlanet will include original informative video content. Topics explored, among others, will include how to stay safe during a sudden and unexpected animal encounter and how to safely handle injured wild animal.

Earlier seasons of North Woods Law are available in their entirety on the Animal Planet GO app, which allows Animal Planet audiences to catch up on full episodes of their favorite series and specials anytime, anywhere.

To learn more about the NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division, visit www.wildnh.com /law-enforcement.

Animal Planet