On November 4, 2023 New York State Department of Environment Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Jason Powers was notified by DEC Central Dispatch that an individual checking coyote traps in the town of Cuba on the western border of Allegany County, NY discovered a small black bear caught in one of his foothold traps. [Read more…] about Black Bear Caught in Coyote Trap Released by Conservation Officers
ECOs
Bambino Boa: Big Snake Recovered Near Yankee Stadium
On Sept. 26, while on patrol, ECOs Ableson and Goonan received reports of a large snake in Macombs Dam Park next to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. [Read more…] about Bambino Boa: Big Snake Recovered Near Yankee Stadium
Wild Ginseng Bust in Schoharie County Leads to Charges
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a herbaceous perennial in the ivy family, commonly used as an herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is native to eastern North America, although it is also cultivated in China. Since the 18th century, American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) has been primarily exported to Asia, where it is highly valued. [Read more…] about Wild Ginseng Bust in Schoharie County Leads to Charges
Recent Wildlife Rescues & Encounters: Loggerhead Turtle, NYC Pythons & Caged Whitetail Deer
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: Loggerhead Turtle, NYC Pythons & Caged Whitetail Deer
Illegal Commercialization of Trout Charges Filed
On August 14, 2023, a Deerpark, Orange County resident entered pleas of not guilty in Deerpark Town Court to charges related to the illegal commercialization of trout.
The arraignment followed a months-long investigation stemming from a tip alleging the subject was selling trout by the Neversink River. [Read more…] about Illegal Commercialization of Trout Charges Filed
Recent Wildlife Rescues & Encounters: Rattler, Owl, Eagle, Turtle & Rabid Fox
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
A Late Night Boat Rescue on Lake George
On Wednesday, August 2, New York State Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Krug and Lieutenant Higgins responded to a report of a boat that had run aground with passengers on board near Mohican Island on Lake George. [Read more…] about A Late Night Boat Rescue on Lake George
New York Snake Stories: Burmese Python Seized; ‘Rattled’ Service Workers
On July 13th, New York State Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Lieutenant Unger and ECO Kochanowski responded to a Nassau County, Long Island residence after receiving a report that the homeowner wanted to turn in a 14-foot Burmese python. [Read more…] about New York Snake Stories: Burmese Python Seized; ‘Rattled’ Service Workers
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
New York City ‘Jet Ski Invasion’ Leads to Rescue
On Saturday, June 24, Environmental Conservation Officers Clinger, Parmelee, Rappold, and Veloski spent the day patrolling the “New York City Jet Ski Invasion,” an annual event where an estimated 800 recreational boaters travel via jet-ski down the East River, through New York Harbor, and up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge. [Read more…] about New York City ‘Jet Ski Invasion’ Leads to Rescue