CANDIA, N.H. (AP) – Sam the golden retriever is better known in parts of central New Hampshire as the “Golden Ghost” after eluding repeated attempts to bring him in from the wild for 18 months.

Sam got his nickname after his panicked escape from owner Dennis Sklarski in Candia in May 2004. Numerous attempts have been made to catch him – including tranquilizer darts, traps and even a highly coordinated effort involving half a dozen police officers and a helicopter.

Sam has survived a New Hampshire winter, being hit by a car and a deer hunting season.

Steve Sprowl, an investigator with the New Hampshire Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said Sam is surviving by eating from garbage cans and food left out by caring residents.

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.theunionleader.com

AP-ES-10-24-05 0824EDT