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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Hudson Valley: Here's Who Is At Risk Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Hudson Valley: Here's Who Is At Risk
Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Hudson Valley: Here's Who Is At Risk A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a wild goose found in Putnam County, health officials announced. The deceased goose was discovered at the end of December at the Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster, which promptly ensured the animal was tested, the Putnam County Department of Health announced on Friday, Jan. 17. While the virus has been spreading globally among wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks since 2022, the risk to the general public remains low, according to the health department.&n…
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials
Violation Issued After Wildland Fire Goes Up Behind Hudson Valley Business: Officials A wildland fire that began behind a Putnam County business took several days to put out and led to the issuing of a ticket, officials announced.  The fire was reported on Friday, Jan. 3, at 2:15 p.m. in a swampy area behind Petersen's Patterson Greenhouses in Patterson, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8.  Forest rangers responded to the scene and determined that an ember from a burn pile at the nursery had likely ignited the blaze, officials said.  Additional rangers soon joined the effort to extinguish the b…
Quack Down: Duck Hunting Complaints Lead To Increased Patrols In Westchester Quack Down: Duck Hunting Complaints Lead To Increased Patrols In Westchester
Quack Down: Duck Hunting Complaints Lead To Increased Patrols In Westchester Police in Westchester are stepping up enforcement efforts following complaints of duck hunters in areas along Long Island Sound.  In an announcement on Friday, Jan. 3, the City of Rye Police Department said that the complaints have come from the Tide Mill and Port Chester Harbor areas. While hunting migratory birds is permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), hunters must abide by the state’s rules and regulations, the department added. In response to complaints, police said they are increasing their patrols in the areas to ensure compliance …
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Winter is the best time to see bald eagles in New York, and the Hudson Valley offers some of the top spots for viewing these iconic birds of prey, according to conservation experts. Nature lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring through New York skies should head outdoors during the winter months, as December, January, and February are the top times to see these majestic birds, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced in a social media post on Monday, Dec. 23.  This is because bald eagles are most active during the winter, with peak numbers …
Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village
Christmas Miracle: ‘High-Hazard’ Dam Repairs Get Green Light In Hudson Valley Village A Hudson Valley village will soon see vital repairs to its water infrastructure after receiving a multimillion-dollar state grant. The Putnam County village of Cold Spring has been awarded $2.5 million by New York State for critical repairs to its Upper Dam, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 23.  Village officials added that the funding came through the state Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program.  The grant, announced just days before Christmas, will help fund a long-awaited project to reconstruct the dam’s stone wall…
Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Northern Westchester Work Site: Authorities Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Northern Westchester Work Site: Authorities
Contractor, Son Illegally Dumped Materials From Northern Westchester Work Site: Authorities A contractor and his son were ticketed for illegal dumping in the Hudson Valley after environmental officials found material containing an address in construction debris on the side of a road, authorities said.   The debris was discovered on the side of a road in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 29 by New York State Environmental Conservation Officers Franz and Schuck while patrolling in the village of Brewster, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18.  During their investigation, officers found a piece of mail among the debris…
Coyote Seen Running Near Elementary School In Westchester (VIDEO) Coyote Seen Running Near Elementary School In Westchester (VIDEO)
Coyote Seen Running Near Elementary School In Westchester (Video) A coyote was seen running on a public city street near an elementary school in Westchester, prompting concern from nearby residents.  The animal was captured in a video posted on Monday, Dec. 23 just after midnight by Fabrix Company on Instagram and shared by Frank Dee on Facebook.  In the footage, the coyote can be seen running in the middle of a New Rochelle street near Trinity Elementary School. The animal was also seen near the area of Glen Island Park, according to Dee. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, human development can make "surprisingly g…
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Authorities have released the identities of both the pilot who survived and the passenger who died in a small plane crash that shut down Interstate 684 at the border of Fairfield, CT and Westchester, CT counties for hours. Kalmen Goldberger, 26, of Linden, NJ, had reported engine trouble before the single-engine Tecnam P-2008 went down in the center median of I-684 near Exit 2 in Harrison Thursday, Dec. 12 around 7:15 p.m., officials said. Goldberger survived, however, his passenger, Jacob Yankele Friedman, 32, of the Rockland County hamlet of Monsey, was pronounced dead at the sc…
Bobcat Sighting Reported In Croton-On-Hudson, Village Officials Say Bobcat Sighting Reported In Croton-On-Hudson, Village Officials Say
Bobcat Sighting Reported In Croton-On-Hudson, Village Officials Say Village officials in Northern Westchester are warning residents to protect their pets following a bobcat sighting. The warning came in an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from Croton-on-Hudson village officials, who said they had received a report of a bobcat sighting within the community. Although officials did not specify where the sighting occurred, they urged residents to know how to "coexist safely" with the species.  This includes:  Protecting pets by keeping them indoors and securing livestock in predator-proof enclosures; Avoiding the intentional and unintentional fee…
Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Northern Westchester Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Northern Westchester
Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Northern 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…
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…
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…
Bear Captured On Camera In Northern Westchester: Here's Where Bear Captured On Camera In Northern Westchester: Here's Where
Bear Captured 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…
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 …
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 …
Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Northern Westchester Home: Photos Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Northern Westchester Home: Photos
Bear Takes Stroll On Porch At Northern 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…
Bear Seen 'Making Beeline' For Garbage Cans In Northern Westchester: Here's Where Bear Seen 'Making Beeline' For Garbage Cans In Northern Westchester: Here's Where
Bear Seen 'Making Beeline' For Garbage Cans In Northern 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…
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 …
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…
Bears Seen Near Busy Main Route In Northern Westchester Bears Seen Near Busy Main Route In Northern Westchester
Bears Seen Near Busy Main Route In Northern 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. …
Bear Spotted In Northern Westchester Neighborhood, Officials Warn: Here's Where Bear Spotted In Northern Westchester Neighborhood, Officials Warn: Here's Where
Bear Spotted In Northern 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…
Bobcat Spotted Near Gym In Northern Westchester, Officials Warn Bobcat Spotted Near Gym In Northern Westchester, Officials Warn
Bobcat Spotted Near Gym In Northern 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 …
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 …
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…
Osprey Nest Causes Closure At Popular Playland Ride In Westchester Osprey Nest Causes Closure At Popular Playland Ride In Westchester
Osprey Nest Causes Closure At Popular Playland Ride In Westchester 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…
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…
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…
New Update: Bear Killed After Attacking Child In Northern Westchester Tests Negative For Rabies New Update: Bear Killed After Attacking Child In Northern Westchester Tests Negative For Rabies
New Update: Bear Killed After Attacking Child In Northern 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…
Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside Northern Westchester Home Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside Northern Westchester Home
Latest Update: 7-Year-Old ID'd As Victim Of Bear Attack Outside Northern 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…
New Update: Bear Attacks Child In Northern Westchester New Update: Bear Attacks Child In Northern Westchester
New Update: Bear Attacks Child In Northern 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…
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…