In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors began serving to protect the natural resources of New York State. In 2022, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to more than 25,600 calls. What follows are recently reported incidents involving wildlife rescues: [Read more…] about Recent Wildlife Rescues & Encounters: Rattler, Owl, Eagle, Turtle & Rabid Fox
Bald Eagles
Injured Bald Eagles Found in Upstate New York
New York State Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) responded to two cases involving injured bald eagles in early July. On July 5, ECO Scalisi responded to the town of Newfield in Tompkins County to assist New York State Police Trooper Hugg with an injured eagle that was unable to fly. [Read more…] about Injured Bald Eagles Found in Upstate New York
Lead Research Hopes to Improve Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle Conservation Efforts
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking hunters to participate in a multi-year study of non-lead ammunition impacts on the State’s eagle conservation efforts. DEC is partnering with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, U.S. Geological Survey, and Conservation Science Global on the study to determine the reduction in bald eagle and golden eagle deaths that can be achieved from increased use of non-lead ammunition for deer hunting. [Read more…] about Lead Research Hopes to Improve Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle Conservation Efforts
Young Eagle in Distress Rescued From Chenango River White Pine
On June 22, NYS Environmental Conservation Officer Wing responded to a report of an eaglet stuck in a tree just below its nest in the town of Fenton, Broome County. [Read more…] about Young Eagle in Distress Rescued From Chenango River White Pine
Study: Climate Change Has Altered Human-Raptor Relationships
Bald Eagles and dairy farmers exist in a mutually beneficial relationship in parts of northwestern Washington State. According to a new study, this “win-win” relationship has been a more recent development, driven by the impact of climate change on eagles’ traditional winter diet of salmon carcasses, as well as by increased eagle abundance following decades of conservation efforts. The research is published in the journal Ecosphere. [Read more…] about Study: Climate Change Has Altered Human-Raptor Relationships
Bald Eagle Viewing in Winter
Winter is a great time to view bald eagles in New York State. Viewing from a safe distance and at planned observation sites can offer an exhilarating and memorable experience.
Wintering bald eagles begin arriving in December and concentrations peak in January and February. Most are heading back to their nesting areas by mid-March. [Read more…] about Bald Eagle Viewing in Winter
Help Sought to Solve Eagle Shooting Case
On April 3rd, NYS Environmental Conservation Officer’s (ECO) received a complaint about an unknown individual shooting a duck or goose. ECO McCormick responded, and upon investigation, determined the shot bird was a bald eagle. [Read more…] about Help Sought to Solve Eagle Shooting Case
Threats to the Long-Lived Bald Eagle
Bald eagles are long-lived birds, with a lifespan in the wild of more than 30 years. Mating for life, they return to nest in the general area (within 250 miles) from which they fledged.
Once a pair selects a nesting territory, they use it for the rest of their lives. However, bald eagles face threats to their long lifespan and nesting territories due to a wide range of human impacts including habitat loss and plastic pollution. [Read more…] about Threats to the Long-Lived Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle Numbers On The Rise
In March, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the latest population estimate for Bald Eagles. Some 316,000 eagles now cruise the skies in the Lower 48 — more than four times the previous estimate, from 2009. [Read more…] about Bald Eagle Numbers On The Rise
Eagle Banded 26 Years Ago Spotted In Lewis County
It is an outstanding opportunity to see three American bald eagles devouring their lunch, but even more fantastic of an opportunity to be able to learn there’s more to the story. [Read more…] about Eagle Banded 26 Years Ago Spotted In Lewis County