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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

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Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Westchester Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Westchester
Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Westchester Although bobcats usually don't like to make their presence known, two of the creatures were captured on camera at a Northern Westchester nature preserve.  The two felines were sighted on Thursday morning, Nov. 14 at the Old Field Preserve on Mead Street in the Lewisboro hamlet of Waccabuc, according to the Lewisboro Parks and Recreation Department.  In a social media post, the Parks and Rec Department shared photos of the bobcats and said such sightings "highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats for wildlife to thrive." "If you’re out enjoying the preserve, kee…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues As dry conditions continue, open fires have been banned in Westchester County-owned parks. The ban was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 6 by Westchester Parks officials, who also said it was effective immediately.  The ban follows a Drought Watch declared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Tuesday, Nov. 5 as a result of low precipitation levels. According to parks officials, wooded environments in parks such as camping sites and remote areas have an increased fire risk because of the rain shortage.  During the ban, charcoal and propane fires are only a…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Bear Caught On Camera In Northern Westchester: Here's Where Bear Caught On Camera In Northern Westchester: Here's Where
Bear Caught On Camera In Northern Westchester: Here's Where Residents in Northern Westchester, stay bear-aware: one of the massive animals was seen strolling behind a home in the area, officials said.  The bear was seen walking behind a residence in North Salem on Titicus Road near the Baxter Preserve, North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas said in a post on social media. The sighting was captured by a camera used by enthusiasts to take pictures of animals, Lucas said.  "Please take your bird feeders in!" Lucas wrote on social media.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, residents can protect themse…

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by Ben Crnic
News
High Levels Of Air Pollution Found Near Interstates, Businesses In Westchester By New Study High Levels Of Air Pollution Found Near Interstates, Businesses In Westchester By New Study
High Levels Of Air Pollution Found Near Interstates, Businesses In Westchester By New Study The first results of a multi-year study have found a concerning level of air pollution along busy interstate highways and manufacturing businesses in parts of Westchester, affecting nearby schools and childcare facilities.  The findings came from the statewide Community Air Monitoring Initiative conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which has been monitoring air quality in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state since the summer of 2022.  A meeting on the first results of the study, which has been taking a close look at air quality in the …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Massive, Parasite-Carrying Snail Found In New York Park Massive, Parasite-Carrying Snail Found In New York Park
Massive, Parasite-Carrying Snail Found In New York Park Although a large, squirrel-sized snail found in a New York park may have looked harmless, it posed enough of a danger to people and the environment that its discovery prompted a police response.  The invasive giant African land snail was discovered within Brooklyn's Prospect Park in early May following a report from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  After it was seen in the park, it was surrendered to the City Parks department in a box, officials said, promoting a response from …

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Westchester Home: Photos Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Westchester Home: Photos
Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Westchester Home: Photos A Northern Westchester resident was lucky enough to get a surprise visit from a black bear at her home.  The bear was seen on the porch of a Bedford residence on Hissarlik Way on Saturday, July 27, according to the home's resident.  In photos of the sighting provided to Daily Voice, the bear is seen approaching the homeowner's glass door and peering inside the home.  Daily Voice According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, those who encounter bears should not approach them and should stay inside or in a safe location until it leaves the ar…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Bear Seen 'Making Beeline' For Garbage Cans In Westchester: Here's Where Bear Seen 'Making Beeline' For Garbage Cans In Westchester: Here's Where
Bear Seen 'Making Beeline' For Garbage Cans In Westchester: Here's Where A hungry bear was seen hunting for trash cans in a Northern Westchester neighborhood, officials said. In an announcement on Monday, July 29, North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas said that several bear sightings had been reported around the town.  Lucas added that the most recent sighting was reported in the area of Yerkes Road. According to Lucas, the bear was "making a beeline to garbage cans left outdoors and especially bird feeders."  "One bear can cover the entire town looking for food," Lucas said.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservati…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen
Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen An aggressive black bear apparently searching for food destroyed the kitchen of an upstate New York home and then returned to the residence shortly after the break in. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said an officer received a report of the incident in  Washington County on Friday, June 21 in the town of White Creek, located about halfway between Saratoga Springs and Albany. While the officer was at the residence reviewing photos of the bear, the animal returned to the yard and became aggressive.  DEC wildlife experts provided technical …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Person Flips Canoe, Then Pulled From Water In Dramatic Hudson Valley Rescue Person Flips Canoe, Then Pulled From Water In Dramatic Hudson Valley Rescue
Person Flips Canoe, Then Pulled From Water In Dramatic Hudson Valley Rescue A person was rescued from the water after they were found clinging to a kayak in a Hudson Valley pond. The rescue happened in Putnam County at around 2:40 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, when a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation saw a person in the water while patrolling White Pond in the town of Kent.  According to the DEC, the person had rolled their canoe and could not flip it back over. Although they could not swim, they were able to grab a nearby kayak.  The ranger then attached a throw rope to the person in the water and tied it to t…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Bears Seen Near Busy Main Route In Westchester Bears Seen Near Busy Main Route In Westchester
Bears Seen Near Busy Main Route In Westchester Those in Northern Westchester may want to ensure their trash cans are inside, as several bear sightings have been reported along a busy main route in the area.  In an announcement on Tuesday, June 25, North Castle Police said several bear sightings have been reported along the Route 128 corridor in the hamlet of Armonk near the border with New Castle.  The department warned residents to avoid becoming comfortable or complacent with the animals and not to deliberately or inadvertently feed them. Additionally, those in the area should remove food sources that bears can access. …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Bear Spotted In Westchester Neighborhood, Officials Warn: Here's Where Bear Spotted In Westchester Neighborhood, Officials Warn: Here's Where
Bear Spotted In Westchester Neighborhood, Officials Warn: Here's Where Officials are warning residents to be careful after a bear was seen in a Northern Westchester neighborhood.  The bear was seen in the area of Glassbury Court and Woodcrest Lane in Mount Kisco, village officials announced on Monday, June 24 around 8:30 a.m.  Police have been notified of the sighting, officials said, adding that residents should be aware of their surroundings.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, bears' movements increase in June as breeding season begins and young bears disperse to find their own space. The animals are us…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Bobcat Spotted Near Gym In Westchester, Officials Warn Bobcat Spotted Near Gym In Westchester, Officials Warn
Bobcat Spotted Near Gym In Westchester, Officials Warn Village officials are advising residents to report bobcat sightings after one of the animals was spotted near a Northern Westchester gym.  In an announcement on Thursday, June 13, the Village of Mount Kisco said a bobcat was identified near the area of the Saw Mill Club gym at 77 Kensico Dr.  Any residents who see a bobcat are asked to report it to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Bureau of Wildlife at 845-256-3088.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, bobcats can be found in 13,500 square miles of the state …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Several Bear Sightings Reported Throughout This Hudson Valley County: Here's How To Avoid Them Several Bear Sightings Reported Throughout This Hudson Valley County: Here's How To Avoid Them
Several Bear Sightings Reported Throughout This Hudson Valley County: Here's How To Avoid Them Several bear sightings have been reported throughout a Hudson Valley county as they emerge from their winter dens.  The sightings were reported over several days by residents in multiple areas of Putnam County, according to an announcement by the Putnam County SPCA on Tuesday, June 4.  Although the organization did not identify specific areas where the bears were spotted, it did explain that sightings have increased as the bears search for food following their emergence from their winter dens with depleted fat reserves. According to the New York State Department of Environmental …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Pair Of Bobcats Sighted In Yard Of Westchester Home: Here's Where Pair Of Bobcats Sighted In Yard Of Westchester Home: Here's Where
Pair Of Bobcats Sighted In Yard Of Westchester Home: Here's Where A Westchester resident got quite a surprise after seeing two bobcats taking a stroll in his yard.  The sighting occurred on Thursday night, May 23 at a home on Wilmoth Avenue in Ardsley, according to a resident of the village.  In surveillance footage of the sighting contributed to Daily Voice, the two bobcats are seen walking through the home's driveway and yard before approaching the residence's porch, eventually going right up to the door.  According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, bobcats can be found in 13,500 square miles of the sta…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Osprey Nest Causes Closure At Popular Rye Playland Ride Osprey Nest Causes Closure At Popular Rye Playland Ride
Osprey Nest Causes Closure At Popular Rye Playland Ride A major ride at a popular Westchester amusement park is temporarily shut down thanks to some avian visitors who decided it was a perfect site to build their home.  The Gondola Wheel at Rye Playland is temporarily closed because of an active Osprey nest built on the ride, the park announced on Thursday, May 16.  The park, which opened for the season on Saturday, May 18, said the wheel would be closed "until further notice" to protect the Ospreys who have called it home. Park officials also said they would continue to share updates with guests. View this post on…

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
Where's Albert? 11-Foot Gator's Seizure From NY Home Sparks Backlash: 'Kind Of Messed Up' Where's Albert? 11-Foot Gator's Seizure From NY Home Sparks Backlash: 'Kind Of Messed Up'
Where's Albert? 11-Foot Gator's Seizure From NY Home Sparks Backlash: 'Kind Of Messed Up' Where is Albert the alligator? That’s what a New York man and his thousands of supporters are demanding to know after state wildlife officials seized his 11-foot, 750-pound gator from his home. Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers showed up to Tony Cavallaro’s Erie County residence in the town Hamburg on Wednesday, March 13, after learning that he had built an addition to his home and installed an in-ground swimming pool to keep the gator. Officers accused Cavallaro of allowing members of the public, including children, to get into the water and pet Albert while the all…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Officials To Study Flood-Prone Area In Westchester, Provide Recommendations For Prevention Officials To Study Flood-Prone Area In Westchester, Provide Recommendations For Prevention
Officials To Study Flood-Prone Area In Westchester, Provide Recommendations For Prevention In an effort to reduce flooding, New York state officials will soon be studying a watershed in Westchester to provide town officials with recommendations on how to make the area more resilient to rain events.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will be commencing a study of the flood-prone Saw Mill River watershed in April 2024, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said on Thursday, Dec. 28.  The study, which is being undertaken by "expert consultants" and will come at no cost to local municipalities, is part of the DEC's Resilient NY program and wi…

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by Ben Crnic
News
New Update: Bear Killed After Attacking Child In Westchester Tests Negative For Rabies New Update: Bear Killed After Attacking Child In Westchester Tests Negative For Rabies
New Update: Bear Killed After Attacking Child In Westchester Tests Negative For Rabies A bear that was shot and killed after attacking a 7-year-old child in Northern Westchester has tested negative for rabies, officials said.  The Westchester County Department of Health confirmed the results on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 23, a day after the bear's remains were brought in for testing by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  Earlier Report - Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside North Castle Home The male bear was killed by North Castle Police following the attack, which happened on Tuesday, Aug. 22 ju…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside Westchester Home Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside Westchester Home
Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside Westchester Home New, updated report: Brand-New Update: Bear Tests Negative For Rabies After Attacking Child In North Castle Authorities have released more details about a bear attack outside of a Northern Westchester residence that left a 7-year-old child hospitalized.  The attack, which happened on Tuesday, Aug. 22 just after 11:15 a.m., occurred outside a North Castle home at 75 Hickory Kingdom Rd., where the boy had been playing in the woods before running into the bear, according to a report by NBC New York.  Earlier Report - New Update: Bear Attacks Child In North Ca…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
New Update: Bear Attacks Child In Westchester New Update: Bear Attacks Child In Westchester
New Update: Bear Attacks Child In Westchester New, updated report: Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside North Castle Home This story has been updated. A child was hospitalized after being attacked by a bear at a Northern Westchester County residence. The rare incident happened on Tuesday, Aug. 22 just after 11:15 a.m., when police in the town of North Castle received a report of the incident at 75 Hickory Kingdom Rd. According to North Castle Police, numerous emergency organizations responded to the scene and treated the child, who was later sent to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Hudson Valley Fisherman On Hook After Making Hundreds Off Illegally Sold Trout, Police Say Hudson Valley Fisherman On Hook After Making Hundreds Off Illegally Sold Trout, Police Say
Hudson Valley Fisherman On Hook After Making Hundreds Off Illegally Sold Trout, Police Say A Hudson Valley man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly made hundreds of dollars by illegally selling wild caught trout. Orange County resident Robert Everett, age 55, of Cuddebackville, was arrested in July 2023 for allegedly violating the state’s Environmental Conservation Law. According to the Orange County DA’s office, Everett sold the trout on multiple dates in May 2023.  When the Department of Environmental Conservation Police executed a search warrant at his Cuddebackville home, they reportedly discovered nearly 40 pounds of trout valued at more than $700. The arrest…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Spilled Mercury From Antique Clock Causes Hazmat Cleanup In Larchmont Spilled Mercury From Antique Clock Causes Hazmat Cleanup In Larchmont
Spilled Mercury From Antique Clock Causes Hazmat Cleanup In Larchmont Emergency cleanup crews were called into action after a large amount of mercury spilled from an antique clock in Westchester, creating a hazardous situation.  The incident happened on Monday, Aug. 14 just after 12:30 p.m., when the Larchmont Fire Department responded to an undisclosed location in the village for a reported hazardous materials leak.  According to the department, an investigation determined that a "significant quantity" of mercury had accidentally been spilled from an antique clock.  After this discovery, a perimeter was created to make sure no one entered the…

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by Ben Crnic
Weather
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Click here for a new, updated story: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area A new air quality forecast predicted a large amount of near-surface smoke that will cover most of the state of New York, according to an announcement by the governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers of a potentially thick blanket of smoke expected to cover the state starting Wednesday, June 28 as the Canadian wildfires continue to burn. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s forecast predicts that, due to a cold front entering the no…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Bear Spotted Near University Campus In Westchester Bear Spotted Near University Campus In Westchester
Bear Spotted Near University Campus In Westchester Officials are warning residents to take precautions after a black bear was sighted multiple times near a university campus in Northern Westchester.  The sightings occurred in the village of Pleasantville on Choate Lane near the campus of Pace University, Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi announced on Wednesday, June 7.  In response to the sightings, Fulgenzi warned residents to take the following precautions to avoid attracting the bear again:  Removing bird feeders; Keeping pet food inside; Keeping garbage containers inside. According to the New York S…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Canadian Wildfires: Poor Air Quality Forces City To Close Schools In Westchester Canadian Wildfires: Poor Air Quality Forces City To Close Schools In Westchester
Canadian Wildfires: Poor Air Quality Forces City To Close Schools In Westchester A blanket of unhealthy air covering much of New York as a result of Canadian wildfires has caused a city in Westchester to close its schools.  Yonkers Public Schools announced that it would be closing all schools on Thursday, June 8 as a result of the poor air quality and the unhealthy conditions in the city.  Related Story - Canadian Wildfires Still Producing Unhealthy Air: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area The announcement comes after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality health advisory for the New York City metro area and lower Hud…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Canadian Fires: Westchester Cancels Outdoor Activities, Urges Precautions As Smoke Fills Air Canadian Fires: Westchester Cancels Outdoor Activities, Urges Precautions As Smoke Fills Air
Canadian Fires: Westchester Cancels Outdoor Activities, Urges Precautions As Smoke Fills Air As smoky skies cover the Hudson Valley as a result of Canadian wildfires, Westchester government officials are canceling outdoor activities and urging residents to take measures to protect their health.  In response to the poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke making its way to the Northeast, Westchester officials are canceling all county-sponsored outdoor events on Wednesday, June 7.  Additionally, officials are also urging all organizations within the county to also cancel their outdoor events.  As a third response measure, officials are also asking all county employee…

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by Ben Crnic
News
'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment 'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment
'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment This story has been updated. Environmental officials in New York are investigating multiple reports of strange odors in the air, sparking concerns they may be tied to the chemical train derailment in eastern Ohio, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, and its subsequent fire. In a statement to Daily Voice on Friday, Feb. 17, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said it is responding to reports in the Hudson Valley of an “unusual odor in the air.” “DEC has not received any reports from regulated emissions sources about releases that could contribute to the odors describe…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
College Student Bitten By Aggressive Animal Believed To Be Coyote In Hudson Valley College Student Bitten By Aggressive Animal Believed To Be Coyote In Hudson Valley
College Student Bitten By Aggressive Animal Believed To Be Coyote In Hudson Valley A student at a Hudson Valley college was bitten by what is believed to be a coyote. The incident took place in Dutchess County at Marist College in the town of Poughkeepsie around midnight on Tuesday, Feb. 7 near Leo Hall, according to the college's office of Safety of Security in a statement to students. Following the incident, the Dutchess County Health Department issued a warning alerting residents, including Marist College students, that an aggressive coyote was spotted on the college campus in the town of Poughkeepsie. It is unknown at this time if the animal is rabid, the department…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
New Details: Body Of Missing 59-Year-Old NY Woman Was Found In Gorge, DEC Reports New Details: Body Of Missing 59-Year-Old NY Woman Was Found In Gorge, DEC Reports
New Details: Body Of Missing 59-Year-Old NY Woman Was Found In Gorge, DEC Reports The body of a 59-year-old New York woman who went missing for days was located in a gorge after her car was found parked at a trailhead, officials reported. Onondaga County resident Susan Mills' body was located in the area of Carpenter Falls, a waterfall located in the Cayuga County town of Niles, police reported on Sunday, Dec. 18. Earlier report - New York Woman Found Dead Days After Reported Missing, Police Say Mills was reported missing on Wednesday, Dec. 14, after she had last been seen leaving her home in Elbridge, a village located about 20 miles from Syracuse, on Monday, Dec.…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Coyote Attacks 2 In Westchester Coyote Attacks 2 In Westchester
Coyote Attacks 2 In Westchester A town in the region is warning residents to be on the lookout for a rabid coyote after two residents were attacked while walking. The incident took place in Northern Westchester on Thursday, Nov. 17 shortly after 5 p.m. in North Salem on Turkey Hill Road. One person was bitten with a puncture wound on their leg. The second person was not injured, North Salem Town Supervisor Warren Lucas said. "The person with the puncture wound is on their way to the hospital likely for rabies shots," Lucas said in a Facebook post. "The presumption is that the coyote is rabid. It attacked the tires of a c…

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by Kathy Reakes