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Wildlife

Rabid Raccoon Seen 'Acting Aggressively' Near School In Hudson Valley Rabid Raccoon Seen 'Acting Aggressively' Near School In Hudson Valley
Rabid Raccoon Seen 'Acting Aggressively' Near School In Hudson Valley A raccoon found acting aggressively near a school in Westchester has tested positive for rabies, health officials announced. The raccoon was seen on Thursday, Oct. 31 near the John Paulding School in Tarrytown at 154 Broadway, the Westchester County Department of Health announced on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The animal was also seen near the Warner Library and Patriots Park down the street from the school, health officials said. After it was found, the raccoon was confirmed to be rabid. Because of this, the Health Department is now urging residents to call as soon as possible if they or…
Rabid Beaver Found In Hudson Valley Rabid Beaver Found In Hudson Valley
Rabid Beaver Found In Hudson Valley Residents in the region are being alerted to the discovery of a rabid beaver in the region. The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health has confirmed a positive rabies test in a beaver captured after being observed at the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area in the Town of Red Hook on Monday, Aug. 6. "Residents and visitors enjoying Tivoli Bay for paddleboarding and other activities should be aware of their surroundings and be cautious for any wildlife acting aggressively," according to a statement by the Dutchess County Government. If any individual or any dom…
'Sounds Like A Rejected Comedy Sketch': Internet Reacts To RFK Jr. Dumping Bear In Central Park 'Sounds Like A Rejected Comedy Sketch': Internet Reacts To RFK Jr. Dumping Bear In Central Park
'Sounds Like A Rejected Comedy Sketch': Internet Reacts To RFK Jr. Dumping Bear In Central Park In an election cycle filled with ridiculous news stories with more dangerously sharp twists than an unregulated carnival rollercoaster, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped one of the weirdest news stories of this year on Monday, Aug. 5.  The presidential candidate announced he left a dead bear cub in Central Park because he thought "it would be fun for people." It wasn't, and Kennedy has been turned into a meme overnight.  Related: RFK Jr. Says He Dumped Body Of Bear Found In Hudson Valley In Central Park It all began after Kennedy posted a video of him telling the story to Roseanne Barr to get…
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 …
Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know
Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know Large yellow-and-gray spiders with 4-inch-long legs that can fly through the air are heading to the Northeast and could show up this summer, according to multiple reports. Sightings of the Trichonephila clavata species known as "Joro spiders" have already been reported in 10 Eastern states, CBS News says. A New Jersey pest control company in January had warned that this might happen. 4NJ Pest, based in Flanders, said the spiders act as "pest controllers" in their natural habitats, however, their introduction to not-native species could be detrimental to the balance of local ecosystems.…
Second Rabid Fox Found In Region Second Rabid Fox Found In Region
Second Rabid Fox Found In Region A second rabid fox has been discovered in the region. The fox was found Wednesday, May 8, in Sullivan County in the town of Fremont. Related story: Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Test Positive For Rabies According to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health, a dead baby fox (kit) in Fremont tested positive for the rabies virus.  People exposed to the baby are currently receiving appropriate treatment. Another rabid fox was found earlier in the week in the town of Bethel. The fox was euthanized, public health officials said.  Rabies occurs commonly throughout the stat…
Rabid Raccoon Case Confirmed In Region Rabid Raccoon Case Confirmed In Region
Rabid Raccoon Case Confirmed In Region Health officials in the region have put out a warning to residents regarding a rabid raccoon found in the area. Sullivan County Public Health has confirmed that a raccoon in the Fremont Center area tested positive for the rabies virus. “The raccoon was killed, and the property owners called Public Health, just as they should,” said Acting Public Health Director Karen Holden. “The head of the raccoon was sent to Albany today, and it came back positive for rabies.” Rabies occurs commonly throughout New York State, with the vast majority of cases occurring in wild animals, including raccoons,…
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…
Alert Issued After 'Aggressive,' Rabid Fox Captured In Region Alert Issued After 'Aggressive,' Rabid Fox Captured In Region
Alert Issued After 'Aggressive,' Rabid Fox Captured In Region Officials in the region have issued a public alert after a rabid fox was captured by state wildlife experts. Sullivan County Public Health is advising the public to stay away from wild animals and be vigilant of their surroundings while camping, hiking, or playing in the parks near wooded areas. “A gray fox that was acting aggressively in the Town of Neversink was captured by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, sent to the NYS Department of Health laboratory, and tested positive for rabies,” said Public Health Director Nancy McGraw.  McGraw said there were…
Keep Your Pets Inside: Police Chase Coyote Out Of Park In Westchester Keep Your Pets Inside: Police Chase Coyote Out Of Park In Westchester
Keep Your Pets Inside: Police Chase Coyote Out Of Park In Westchester Police had to chase a coyote back into the woods after it was spotted in a public park in Westchester County.  On Saturday night, Oct. 22, police were alerted to a coyote seen in Port Chester at Lyon Park, authorities said in a Facebook post.  After locating the coyote, police were able to get the animal into a wooded area by King Street after a "lengthy chase," police said.  "Hopefully the coyote got the message to stay clear of congested/ residential areas," Port Chester police said in a post.  Police also advised residents to be aware when letting pets outside earl…
Suspect Emerges After Bird Feeder Stolen From Northern Westchester Home Twice In A Week Suspect Emerges After Bird Feeder Stolen From Northern Westchester Home Twice In A Week
Suspect Emerges After Bird Feeder Stolen From Northern Westchester Home Twice In A Week A potential suspect has been identified after a Northern Westchester resident found that bird feeders were stolen from her home multiple times in the span of days. An Armonk resident reported that a bird feeder was stolen from her front porch on Banksville Road for the second time in a week at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, the North Castle Police Department said. The woman told police she heard a noise and saw a vehicle driving by her driveway before noticing the bird feeder was missing, according to the report. Police responded to the scene and determined that it appeared the bird fe…
Coyotes Kill Six Peacocks In Broad Daylight At Martha Stewart's Northern Westchester Estate Coyotes Kill Six Peacocks In Broad Daylight At Martha Stewart's Northern Westchester Estate
Coyotes Kill Six Peacocks In Broad Daylight At Martha Stewart's Northern Westchester Estate Six peacocks on Martha Stewart's 153-acre New York estate were killed in a brazen, broad-daylight attack by coyotes. The 80-year-old writer/television personality said she's building an enclosed fence around her yard at the property in the hamlet of Katonah in the Town of Bedford in Northern Westchester County. "RIP beautiful Blue Boy," Stewart wrote on Instagram In a post that displayed a video of one of the victims. "The coyotes came in broad daylight and devoured him and five others.” Stewart said six "large and aggressive coyotes who have expensive tastes when it comes to poultry" car…
CDC Issues New Monkeypox Guidance Amid Increase In Cases CDC Issues New Monkeypox Guidance Amid Increase In Cases
CDC Issues New Monkeypox Guidance Amid Increase In Cases Amid the largest monkeypox outbreak ever in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance. Since May 2022, monkeypox cases, which have historically been rare in the United States, have been identified in 18 states and territories among both persons returning from international travel and their close contacts domestically, the CDC said. The CDC said there have now been 72 confirmed cases of monkeypox -- a big jump from the 19 cases reported at the beginning of June. Globally, more than 1,600 cases have been reported from more than 30 countri…
Uptick In Coyote Sightings Now Being Reported In Region Uptick In Coyote Sightings Now Being Reported In Region
Uptick In Coyote Sightings Now Being Reported In Region Coyote sightings have been on the rise in the Hudson Valley, prompting some pet-owners to be on high alert as they seek to protect their furry friends. For coyotes, February marks the beginning of mating season, which lasts between four and six weeks, peaking late in the month and early in March, according to animal experts, who noted that it varies year-to-year depending on weather, prey, quantity, and other mitigating factors. Researchers said that the season begins with mating, followed by pup raising, and then dispersal, leading to the rise in sightings in recent weeks. Related story…
$23.6 Bridge Replacement Project Completed In Area $23.6 Bridge Replacement Project Completed In Area
$23.6 Bridge Replacement Project Completed In Area A $23.6 million project to replace a bridge in the Hudson Valley is now complete. The State Route 28 bridge in Ulster County over the Esopus Creek in the Hamlet of Mount Tremper has been redesigned, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Nov. 3. "As we continue to recover from the pandemic, more and more New Yorkers and tourists are seeking outdoor activities, especially in areas like beautiful Ulster County," Hochul said. "This project maintains uninterrupted access to fishing sites, hiking trails, and other area destinations and is yet another example of pr…
New Bear Sightings Reported In Northern Westchester New Bear Sightings Reported In Northern Westchester
New Bear Sightings Reported In Northern Westchester Some Northern Westchester residents had an unexpected visitor as one or more black bears made the rounds through their neighborhoods. The New Castle Police Department issued alerts for two separate bear sightings that happened in a 24-hour span. On Friday morning, Oct. 22, the department advised that a black bear was seen making the rounds in the area of Twin Ridges Road and Lake way in the town of New Castle. Police said that the bear stuck to himself, and did not create any public disturbances before heading back into the woods. Late Saturday morning, Oct. 23, the department reported a …
Bobcat Caught On Camera In Area Bobcat Caught On Camera In Area
Bobcat Caught On Camera In Area A local family got an unexpected visitor when a bobcat was caught on camera making the rounds in its backyard. At approximately 7 a.m. near the north end of Putnam Valley on Monday, Sept. 27, an area resident captured a large bobcat slinking through his backyard when he went to feed his chickens, who were unharmed by the animal. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat and usually smaller than the Canada lynx. "Their fur is dense, short, and soft and is generally shorter and more reddish in the summer and…
Bear Spotted At Northern Westchester Condo Complex Before Climbing Fence Toward Woods Bear Spotted At Northern Westchester Condo Complex Before Climbing Fence Toward Woods
Bear Spotted At Northern Westchester Condo Complex Before Climbing Fence Toward Woods State and county officials were called to a Northern Westchester condominium complex where there was a new report of a bear sighting. Westchester County Police received a call at approximately 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, where there was a report of a bear near a dumpster in the area of Victoria Drive and the Guard Hill condo complex in Mount Kisco. A County Police spokesperson said that the bear was then spotted scaling a fence and making the rounds through a backyard before heading into a nearby wooded area. Related story - NY State DEC Issues Bear Warning For BBQs, Camping Ther…
Moose On Loose At UConn Campus Signals Beginning Of Birthing Season Moose On Loose At UConn Campus Signals Beginning Of Birthing Season
Moose On Loose At UConn Campus Signals Beginning Of Birthing Season After a moose was spotted on the UConn campus, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is advising motorists to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity along roadways. The moose was spotted strolling the streets in Mansfield and later on the campus in Storrs on Saturday, May 8. DEEP says the sign of the moose out and about is normal as the months of May and June mark the birthing period for deer and moose.  DEEP’s Wildlife Division urges motorists to be aware during this period of activity and also slow down and drive defensively should a large animal,…
Video: Bear Finds Way Into Parking Lot At Apartment Complex In Hudson Valley Video: Bear Finds Way Into Parking Lot At Apartment Complex In Hudson Valley
Video: Bear Finds Way Into Parking Lot At Apartment Complex In Hudson Valley Residents in a Hudson Valley apartment got a “beary” unexpected visitor recently. A black bear cub was caught on camera making the rounds in the parking lot of Normandy Village in Nanuet on Thursday, Sept. 17, taking in the sights before scampering away. The latest incident continues a string of dozens of bear sightings throughout the Hudson Valley. Earlier story - Grin, Bear It: Recent Rise In Hudson Valley Sightings Prompts Warning From Officials According to the Clarkstown Police Department, the uptick in sightings coincides with the shift in weather and limited food sources for bears.…
Photos: Fisherman Recounts Close Encounter With Black Bear In Candlewood Lake Photos: Fisherman Recounts Close Encounter With Black Bear In Candlewood Lake
Photos: Fisherman Recounts Close Encounter With Black Bear In Candlewood Lake An area fisherman who was out for a day of fun in Northern Fairfield County on Candlewood Lake with two buddies ended up catching great shots of a bear swimming in the water instead of fish. Thomas Spitzfaden, of Danbury, said he recently invited two buddies to go fishing when they maneuvered the boat to pick up what they thought was a log floating in the water. "We left my dock in Danbury and decided to head up north into New Milford," Spitzfaden said. "As we got into southern New Milford halfway toward Chimney Point and Oak Point right out in the middle of the lake I saw what I thought wa…
Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area
Photos: Groups Of Black Bears Roams Through Backyards, Back Porch In Area Groups of black bears have been making the rounds throughout Hudson Valley neighborhoods, with some getting caught on camera a little too close for comfort. There were multiple sightings of black bears and cubs reported in Rockland County in the past week, with some roaming through area backyards in Pomona, while others took leisurely strolls through quiet streets. One bear even got up close and personal, perusing the sights on one resident’s backyard deck. According to environment officials, residents should not leave garbage cans or any food outside to help avoid an encounter with a bear…
It's A Bear Fact: More Sightings Reported, Including One Taking Stroll At A Cemetery It's A Bear Fact: More Sightings Reported, Including One Taking Stroll At A Cemetery
It's A Bear Fact: More Sightings Reported, Including One Taking Stroll At A Cemetery They're here, there - everywhere. At least it seems that way. After all, in the span of just a few days, there have been more than a half dozen reported black bear sightings in the area. Including at a golf course. And now, even a cemetery. Police in Westchester responded on Friday, June 12 as a bear strolled through St. Mary's Cemetery in Rye Brook. (See first image above.) On Sunday morning, June 14, a Northern Westchester family observed a pair of bears on the front lawn. (See second images above.) On Thursday, June 11, a large black bear was spotted at the Maple Moor Golf Cour…
Bear Sighting Forces Temporary Closure Of Golf Course In Westchester Bear Sighting Forces Temporary Closure Of Golf Course In Westchester
Bear Sighting Forces Temporary Closure Of Golf Course In Westchester Click here for an updated story: It's A Bear Fact: More Sightings Reported, Including One Taking Stroll At A Cemetery For the fourth time in as many days, a black bear sighting was reported in Westchester. This time, the bears took a trip to an area golf course. The large black bear was spotted at the Maple Moor Golf Course on North Street in White Plains on Thursday, June 11, forcing the club to temporarily shut down for the safety of golfers playing rounds. It marks the fourth sighting this week, after reports of similar instances in Hastings, Greenburgh, and Scarsdale. Earl…
'Murder Hornet': Videos Show What It's Like To Be Stung By Dangerous Insect Now In US 'Murder Hornet': Videos Show What It's Like To Be Stung By Dangerous Insect Now In US
'Murder Hornet': Videos Show What It's Like To Be Stung By Dangerous Insect Now In US Videos of massive so-called “murder hornets” with venomous stingers that have migrated from Asia have been making the rounds on social media, showing the insect killing its often larger prey with impunity. New story: 'Murder Hornets': Westchester Town Begins Preparing Now For Possible Arrival The hornets have been shown killing mice, other rodents, coyotes, and large bugs. See video above - warning: graphic content.  It is unclear where the videos have been shot, though the invasive insect has reportedly made its way to the United States, in Washington State, as well as Canada. …
Black Bear Not Under Any Stay-Home Order Takes Stroll Down Main Street Black Bear Not Under Any Stay-Home Order Takes Stroll Down Main Street
Black Bear Not Under Any Stay-Home Order Takes Stroll Down Main Street Just when everyone is inside obeying the Stay Home, Stay Safe, rule, a local bear nicknamed "Dan Berry" came to visit a local main street. According to a post by Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton on Monday, April 20, the bear was spotted on Main Street and New Street Fire House. The bear was spotted and photographed by Danbury City Council President Joe Cavo. No word back from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection if the bear is tagged or will be relocated.  At least he has plenty of room to roam. 
Video: Bobcat Gets Up Close, Personal In Backyard Of Area Home Video: Bobcat Gets Up Close, Personal In Backyard Of Area Home
Video: Bobcat Gets Up Close, Personal In Backyard Of Area Home An area family got an unexpected visitor when a bobcat was caught on camera making the rounds. The bobcat was captured slinking through the backyard of the Putnam County home on Long Pond Road in Mahopac at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17, before trotting off into a neighbor’s yard. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat and usually smaller than the Canada lynx.  "Their fur is dense, short, and soft and is generally shorter and more reddish in the summer and longer and more gray in the wint…
Video: Residents Report Seeing Venomous Caterpillars In Westchester, Putnam, Rockland Video: Residents Report Seeing Venomous Caterpillars In Westchester, Putnam, Rockland
Video: Residents Report Seeing Venomous Caterpillars In Westchester, Putnam, Rockland More Hudson Valley residents have reported that they’ve found venomous caterpillars with new sightings being reported in Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties. Sightings in the region were first reported in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties. They were also found in other areas upstate. Hickory tussock moth caterpillars, which have been described as “fuzzy, white and black caterpillars that are often very apparent in the fall, sometimes in large numbers, by officials, have become more prevalent in the area over the summer and fall.  When their hairs get stuck on one’…
Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says
Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says Turns out it was a bobcat, not a mountain lion that was caught on camera in upstate New York in a video that quickly went viral, according to an expert. Cici Marie LaPierre posted a video on Facebook that has since gone viral on social media of an animal that was walking on Main Street in Saranac Lake last month. In the video, one of the passengers in the vehicle questions whether it is a mountain lion, as it looks back before going on its way. Some commenters on social media noted that the animal in the video may not be a mountain lion, but could be a bobcat, cougar, lynx, or similar pre…
Video: Upstate NYers Say Mountain Lion Caught On Camera Video: Upstate NYers Say Mountain Lion Caught On Camera
Video: Upstate NYers Say Mountain Lion Caught On Camera Click here for an updated story: Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says An upstate New Yorker received a surprise visitor recently, when he may have spotted a mountain lion perusing an area roadway. Cici Marie LaPierre posted a video on Facebook that has since gone viral on social media of an animal that was walking on Main Street in Saranac Lake last month. In the video, one of the passengers in the vehicle questions whether it is a mountain lion, as it looks back before going on its way. Some commenters on social media have pro…
Video: Coyote Chases Deer In Front Yard Of Area Home Video: Coyote Chases Deer In Front Yard Of Area Home
Video: Coyote Chases Deer In Front Yard Of Area Home It wasn't a roadrunner, but a coyote failed to get his mark during a chase with an animal in Northern Westchester. A coyote was caught on a doorbell camera in Yorktown Heights chasing a deer before veering off and heading in a different direction in defeat.  The surveillance video was taken near the Jefferson Valley Mall off of Oakside Road. The homeowner noted that she originally thought it to be a fox chasing the deer, but ultimately determined that it was a coyote that may have been making the rounds in Westchester. You can see it play out at the very start of the video here. …