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Wildlife Conservation

Whale In 'Extremely Poor' Health Euthanized On Sunset Beach, Marine Biologists Say (UPDATE) Whale In 'Extremely Poor' Health Euthanized On Sunset Beach, Marine Biologists Say (UPDATE)
Whale In 'Extremely Poor' Health Euthanized On Sunset Beach, Marine Biologists Say (Update) A minke whale that stranded itself on a Cape May Point beach needed to be euthanized, marine biologists said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) said the animal was unlikely to survive, according to a Facebook update posted on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The whale was discovered on Sunset Beach in Lower Township at around 2:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The whale was first believed to be dead when it washed ashore. First responders discovered the whale was alive but stranded on dry sand as the tide receded. An MMSC team with a veterinarian soon arrived at the scene and iden…
5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap 5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap
5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap A sharp increase in black bear collisions has park officials urging visitors to slow down and stay alert while driving through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. In the past week, five black bears have been struck by vehicles on Route 209, a concerning jump from the park’s usual annual average of just a few incidents, officials said. “Wildlife can be unpredictable; it is your job to give yourself time to react,” park officials said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of watching for wildlife and adhering to posted speed limits. Black bears, the park’s largest residents…
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…
Several Coyotes Spotted Roaming In Lansdale Park: Police Several Coyotes Spotted Roaming In Lansdale Park: Police
Several Coyotes Spotted Roaming In Lansdale Park: Police Several coyotes have been spotted around a Montgomery County park, according to police. There have been some sightings of the wild canines around Lansdale's Wissahickon Park, the Lansdale Police Department said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Eastern Coyote's numbers have been rising in Pennsylvania for years, police said. This is because "urban areas are a constant source of food, water, shelter, and space year-round." Their migration into these urban areas can sometimes lead to attacks on pets, and on rare occasions, even humans, according to police. Coyotes can become a prob…
Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Lewisboro Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Lewisboro
Bobcats Sighted At Nature Preserve In Lewisboro 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…
Sayville Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' Sayville Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile'
Sayville Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' New York native Melissa Joan Hart revealed a special connection to the late Cassius the Crocodile. The saltwater croc, who measured 18 feet long and weighed nearly 2,870 pounds, died Saturday, Nov. 2, at an estimated age of 120, Marineland Melanesia in Australia announced on Facebook. Cassius received the Guinness World Record as the largest living captive crocodile in 2011. Marineland Melanesia said he was “very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc.” “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mate Cassius,” the organization said. “He was mor…
Dolphin Found Butchered On Allenhurst Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating Dolphin Found Butchered On Allenhurst Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating
Dolphin Found Butchered On Allenhurst Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating Authorities were investigating after a dolphin that appeared to be butchered washed up on a beach in Allenhurst, marine biologists said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said the common dolphin's body was discovered on the beach at Allen Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 30. "The animal’s flesh had been completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin, and flukes," MMSC said in a Facebook post. "The animal’s organs, except for the heart and lungs, had been removed." MMSC received a report that a dolphin was seen struggling in the surf about a blo…
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…
West Chester Father-Son Hunters Poached 50+ Deer, Game Commission Says West Chester Father-Son Hunters Poached 50+ Deer, Game Commission Says
West Chester Father-Son Hunters Poached 50+ Deer, Game Commission Says A Chester County father and his two adult sons were charged for poaching "dozens upon dozens" of trophy bucks, according to authorities. Carl Nelson III, 70, of West Chester, and his sons Carroll Nelson IV, 44, of Downingtown, and Mark Nelson, 40, of West Chester, are facing a total of 71 charges stemming from a multi-year investigation, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said. The investigation began following a tip about poaching of large whitetail bucks from Chester and Delaware counties over the span of years, according to the game commission. This involved deer that were taken out of sea…
Dead Whale That Washed Ashore In Lavallette Had Infectious Disease, Necropsy Says Dead Whale That Washed Ashore In Lavallette Had Infectious Disease, Necropsy Says
Dead Whale That Washed Ashore In Lavallette Had Infectious Disease, Necropsy Says Two whales found dead along the Jersey Shore suffered from infectious diseases, marine biologists said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) posted on Facebook to release the necropsy findings for the 17-and-a-half-foot minke whale discovered in Lavallette on Friday, Oct. 4. The animal's body was found near Trenton Avenue at around 6:30 a.m. The male was considered thin and had no food in its digestive tract. "Evidence of inflammation in multiple organs consistent with infectious disease was documented," MMSC posted. "Biological samples were col…
Bear Caught On Camera In North Salem: Here's Where Bear Caught On Camera In North Salem: Here's Where
Bear Caught On Camera In North Salem: 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…
Dead Whale Found In Lavallette, Second Spotted Off Sandy Hook Coast: Marine Biologists Dead Whale Found In Lavallette, Second Spotted Off Sandy Hook Coast: Marine Biologists
Dead Whale Found In Lavallette, Second Spotted Off Sandy Hook Coast: Marine Biologists Two whales were found dead along the Jersey Shore about 24 hours apart, officials said. A dead minke whale was found off the coast of Sandy Hook in the Raritan and Lower bays on Thursday, Oct. 3, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) said in a news release. The whale was estimated to be between 16 and 18 feet long. The Coast Guard first notified the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) and MMSC about the whale. Officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation found the animal, took pictures, and attached a tracking tag to it. New Je…
Frederick County Poacher Admits To Illegally Harvesting A Trophy Deer: Maryland AG Frederick County Poacher Admits To Illegally Harvesting A Trophy Deer: Maryland AG
Frederick County Poacher Admits To Illegally Harvesting A Trophy Deer: Maryland AG A man who illegally hunted what was described as a "trophy deer" will be a little lighter in the pocket after being ordered to pay restitution for poaching in Maryland, the Attorney General's Office announced. Frederick County resident Michael Hines pleaded guilty this week to hunting mammals during closed season, and will pay a hefty fine and restitution following the investigation into an incident reported in November last year. On Nov. 11, 2023, Natural Resources Police launched an investigation into "the illegal harvest of a trophy white tailed deer" after being tipped off that Hines ha…
Did You Lose A Giant Snake At Canton Landmark? Police Want A Word Did You Lose A Giant Snake At Canton Landmark? Police Want A Word
Did You Lose A Giant Snake At Canton Landmark? Police Want A Word Police in Connecticut are asking for the public's help to track down the people who left a ball python at a reservoir in Hartford County.  Video from the Nepaug Reservoir off Route 202 in Canton showed several people dumping the snake and running away just before 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, Burlington and Canton Animal Control said in a Facebook post. There are several popular hiking and biking trails near the reservoir.  The snake was listed as "young," but was still much too large for this reporter's liking.  Police took the python into custody and are keeping it…
New Lobster Tales: 2 More Rare Orange Crustaceans Found In Setauket, Northport New Lobster Tales: 2 More Rare Orange Crustaceans Found In Setauket, Northport
New Lobster Tales: 2 More Rare Orange Crustaceans Found In Setauket, Northport As families gathered over Labor Day weekend, these lucky crustaceans enjoyed a reunion of their own. Days after an ultra rare orange lobster was saved from a New York Stop & Shop, two of her siblings were rescued from businesses on Long Island. “Meet Tangerine and Navel, Clementine's sisters who were rescued and released this Labor Day following an influx of calls about orange lobsters turning up at the East Setauket Stop & Shop and Northport Fish & Lobster!” Humane Long Island announced on Facebook Tuesday, Sept. 3. Earlier Report: Ultra Rare Orange Lobster Rescued From…
Chunk Of Flesh Ripped From Head Of 350-Pound Dead Dolphin By Shark In Long Branch: Officials Chunk Of Flesh Ripped From Head Of 350-Pound Dead Dolphin By Shark In Long Branch: Officials
Chunk Of Flesh Ripped From Head Of 350-Pound Dead Dolphin By Shark In Long Branch: Officials A 350-pound bottlenose dolphin was found entangled in a net floating close to the New Jersey shoreline this week, officials said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said that a shark had ripped a chunk of flesh from the 7.6-foot, 350-pound dolphin's head after it had died. On Thursday August 29th the Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to a report of a deceased dolphin entangled in a... Posted by Marine Mammal Stranding Center on Friday, August 30, 2024 The MMSC responded to reports of the dead dolphin entangled in a net floating close to shore in Long Branch on Thursday,…
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At Cohanzick Zoo (VIDEO) Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At Cohanzick Zoo (VIDEO)
Intruder Breaks Into Tiger Enclosure, Nearly Gets Bitten At Cohanzick Zoo (Video) Police in South Jersey are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a woman who hopped the fence at a local zoo to interact with a tiger. Video shared by Bridgeton police on Tuesday, Aug. 20 shows the incident from the tiger exhibit at the Cohanzick Zoo. Officers didn't say when the incident happened. The 16-second clip shows the female putting her hand through wire fencing and trying to pet the tiger. The big cat then appears to try biting the female's hand and starts frantically pacing. The female then backs away from the wiring and climbs back over the wooden fence on the o…
Shark Sighting Reported Off Popular Maryland Beach (VIDEO) Shark Sighting Reported Off Popular Maryland Beach (VIDEO)
Shark Sighting Reported Off Popular Maryland Beach (Video) A shark sighting was reported at Beverly Beach in Anne Arundel County, though the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is still working to develop details about the creature a week later. According to the Maryland DNR, shark sightings around this time of year are not uncommon in Chesapeake Bay, and there have been 41 species confirmed and document in the waters by the organization. The sharks typically travel off the Atlantic Coast, but sometimes take a trip to the Bay and its tributaries.  Look out for fins in the water🦈 There was a shark sighting in Beverly Beach in Anne Aru…
400-Pound Turtle 'Phinney' Rescued On Cape Cod After Getting Tangled In Fishing Gear 400-Pound Turtle 'Phinney' Rescued On Cape Cod After Getting Tangled In Fishing Gear
400-Pound Turtle 'Phinney' Rescued On Cape Cod After Getting Tangled In Fishing Gear A nearly 400-pound, six-foot-long leatherback turtle nicknamed Phinney is back at sea following a harrowing ordeal with some fishing ropes on Cape Cod last week.  New England Aquarium Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists and members of the Aquarium's Animal Health team and Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation team rescued the turtle on Thursday, July 18.  “The turtle had a rope entanglement around the shoulder region of its right front flipper, but fortunately it was detected quickly and the gear was still loose with minimal damage to the flipper,” said Dr. Melissa Jobl…
Protected Hawk Found Injured On Long Island, Rescued By Officers Protected Hawk Found Injured On Long Island, Rescued By Officers
Protected Hawk Found Injured On Long Island, Rescued By Officers On-duty officers from Long Island made a feathered friend when they rescued an injured bird that used to be on the endangered species list. At about 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, Nassau County Police Officers Carlson, Locher, and Gervasio were on the job in East Rockaway when they came across something unusual. The three officers found the injured osprey in a parking lot near Harbor Road. After contacting the state’s Department of Conservation and moving the bird out of the roadway, they were able to get in touch with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, who transported the osprey to the n…
Slithery Surprise: 12-Foot Python Attacks Crews Responding To NY Water Main Break Slithery Surprise: 12-Foot Python Attacks Crews Responding To NY Water Main Break
Slithery Surprise: 12-Foot Python Attacks Crews Responding To NY Water Main Break It wasn’t exactly what crews expected to find on a busted pipe call. In the region, employees with the Albany Water Department got quite a scare on Friday, July 12, while responding to a broken 48-inch water transmission line in Tivoli Lake Preserve. Shortly after arriving on site, crews encountered a 12-foot-long snake. Albany Water initially identified the creature as a boa constrictor. Still, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) later clarified to Daily Voice that the serpent was actually a reticulated python measuring a whopping 12 feet, 10 inches long.  A DEC …
Researchers Spot 161 Whales, Including 7 Different Species, Off Mass Coast Researchers Spot 161 Whales, Including 7 Different Species, Off Mass Coast
Researchers Spot 161 Whales, Including 7 Different Species, Off Mass Coast It’s a whale of a tale and researchers have the pictures to prove it. A recent aerial survey conducted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center came across a jaw-dropping 161 whales in the waters south of Martha’s Vineyard and southeast of Nantucket. The stunning display was comprised of seven different whale species, including 93 sei, 36 humpback, 21 fin, as well as minke, sperm, and North Atlantic right whales. Researchers also spotted two Orcas, also known as killer whales, one of whom was seen chowing down on a tuna. NOAA Fisheries’ New England/Mid-Atlantic region called it a “dazzli…
Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge
Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge Thanks to elementary school students in Westchester and Rockland counties, several baby peregrine falcons born on top of the new Tappan Zee Bridge have been bestowed with creative names.  To name the falcons, which were born in late May on top of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, the New York State Thruway Authority and Veolia Water held a contest in which voters could decide between several names chosen by schoolchildren throughout the region. Nearly 200,000 votes later, the results are in — the four winning names are:  Beakoncé, which earned 26 percent of votes and was the idea of Ms…
'We'll Never Forget This': Record-Breaking Perch Caught In Chester County 'We'll Never Forget This': Record-Breaking Perch Caught In Chester County
'We'll Never Forget This': Record-Breaking Perch Caught In Chester County A 19-year-old from Berks County set a new state record when he caught a 2-pound, 1-ounce white perch in the Delaware River.  The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said Christopher Barrett's catch topped the previous state record for white perch, set in 2008.  Barrett and his dad Craig, both of Mohnton, set out in a 20-foot center console fishing boat from the Ridley Township Municipal Marina on April 14 and headed up the river, officials said in a release.  They ended up just below the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester County and were using heavy-duty spinning rods …
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 …
Adult Male Bear Shot, Killed By CT Business Owner In Self-Defense Adult Male Bear Shot, Killed By CT Business Owner In Self-Defense
Adult Male Bear Shot, Killed By CT Business Owner In Self-Defense A Connecticut business owner who was cleaning up trash from around a garbage dumpster shot and killed a bear that approached him. The incident occurred in Hartford County early Monday, June 3, in Canton. Paul Copleman, spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said the bear, an adult male, had gotten into the "unsecured" dumpster. The business owner, who was not named, was cleaning up the mess when the bear returned.  Copleman said wildlife personnel and EnConn police responded to the scene.  He did not release details regarding the shootin…
Baby Alligator Confiscated From Home By Spotsy Sheriff's Office Baby Alligator Confiscated From Home By Spotsy Sheriff's Office
Baby Alligator Confiscated From Home By Spotsy Sheriff's Office A baby alligator is settling into its new home at the Luray Zoo after being confiscated from a local resident. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said the county's animal control division confiscated the young animal. "These creatures are not native to Virginia and personal ownership without proper licensing is illegal throughout the Commonwealth," the sheriff's office said. The Luray Zoo A Rescue Zoo website says it's a privately owned facility operating as a haven for unwanted pets, retired zoo animals, and abused animals.
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…
Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge
Beloved Lion With 'Majestic Roar' Dies After 10 Years At South Jersey Animal Refuge A beloved lion has died after spending a decade in the care of an Ocean County animal refuge. Simba died "after a very long and full life" at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, the Lacey Township sanctuary announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Apr. 30. He was brought to the park with three other big cats in 2014. Popcorn Park said Simba was among several animals that needed care after their owner in Alabama became sick and could no longer help them. "Simba was very personable and when we'd walk by he'd always get up to greet us," Popcorn Park executive director John Bergmann said in a sta…
In Fursuit: Search For Cubs Underway After Mama Bear Killed On Taconic State Parkway In Fursuit: Search For Cubs Underway After Mama Bear Killed On Taconic State Parkway
In Fursuit: Search For Cubs Underway After Mama Bear Killed On Taconic State Parkway Despite social media buzz and some help from a couple of drone operators, there’s still no sign of a family of black bear cubs days after their mama was struck and killed on a highway in the region. The Columbia County incident happened Friday evening, April 19, on the Taconic State Parkway near Exit 99 in the hamlet of Spencertown. Two or three 10-pound cubs that are still nursing were left orphaned when the adult bear was hit and killed, according to the wildlife nonprofit Lucky Rehabilitation Center. “We located the body of their mom and will be gathering hair samples this morning in th…
Blind 'One-Of-A-Kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies Blind 'One-Of-A-Kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies
Blind 'One-Of-a-kind' Kangaroo At Popcorn Park Animal Refuge Dies A blind kangaroo who was beloved at an Ocean County animal refuge has died, officials said. The red kangaroo named Winnie died after receiving care for "a myriad of health issues" at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, the park said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Apr. 18. Winnie arrived at the Lacey Township sanctuary in June 2022. Popcorn Park caretakers gave Winnie daily medicine and special veterinary visits so she could have "a peaceful, loving home." "However, throughout the past few weeks, her health began to decline, and unfortunately she was not responding to any medications or…