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Wildlife Conservation

Dead Whale Washes Up In Long Beach: Marine Mammal Stranding Center Dead Whale Washes Up In Long Beach: Marine Mammal Stranding Center
Dead Whale Washes Up In Long Beach: Marine Mammal Stranding Center A deceased whale washed ashore in Long Beach Township on Friday, June 27, authorities said. At 7 a.m., the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said it responded to report of a large, deceased whale in the process of washing ashore at 130th Street at Beach Haven Terrace in Long Beach Township. With the assistance of the Long Beach Township Department of Public Works, the heavily decomposed whale was secured and transported to the Department of Public Works yard to be examined by MMSC staff, the MMSC said. The animal was a female Humpback whale, measuring 29.5 in length, the MMSC said. The carcas…
Hunter Caught Illegally Catching Snapping Turtles At Reservoir In Somers: NYSDEC Hunter Caught Illegally Catching Snapping Turtles At Reservoir In Somers: NYSDEC
Hunter Caught Illegally Catching Snapping Turtles At Reservoir In Somers: Nysdec A person was caught with live snapping turtles at a Westchester County reservoir after a police investigation revealed they had been illegally catching the animals, officials said. According to officials, the incident happened on the night of Saturday, May 3, when New York State Environmental Conservation Police received a call from the Somers Police Department about a suspicious group shining a spotlight into the woods while on the Muscoot Reservoir in a rowboat, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Thursday, June 5.  After arriving at the scene, an…
DA Looking Into Death Of Bear Killed By Police In West Harrison (UPDATE) DA Looking Into Death Of Bear Killed By Police In West Harrison (UPDATE)
DA Looking Into Death Of Bear Killed By Police In West Harrison (Update) The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is looking into the fatal police shooting of a black bear in a residential Westchester neighborhood, officials confirmed to Daily Voice on Friday, June 6. The incident, which drew public scrutiny earlier this week, happened around 2:45 p.m. Monday, June 2, when Harrison Police and a New York State Environmental Conservation Officer responded to reports of a bear in the area of Columbus Avenue and Madison Street in West Harrison, as Daily Voice previously reported.  According to Harrison Police, it was the second sighting of the bear tha…
Virginia Hunter Gets 1 Day In Prison For Poisoning Bald Eagle, Beating Hawk: Feds Virginia Hunter Gets 1 Day In Prison For Poisoning Bald Eagle, Beating Hawk: Feds
Virginia Hunter Gets 1 Day In Prison For Poisoning Bald Eagle, Beating Hawk: Feds A Virginia man who admitted to poisoning a bald eagle and brutally bludgeoning a trapped hawk with a pole was sentenced to just one day in prison, according to court records. William Custis Smith, of Accomack County, confessed to federal agents that he used illegal pole traps and a banned insecticide to kill birds of prey that flew onto his Hallwood property — including a juvenile bald eagle, the nation’s symbol. The shocking discovery began in early 2023, when wildlife officials received an anonymous tip about a suspicious trap set up near a waterfowl impoundment, officials said. When age…
Cyclist Bitten By Venomous Snake On Palisades Bike Path After Getting Too Close Cyclist Bitten By Venomous Snake On Palisades Bike Path After Getting Too Close
Cyclist Bitten By Venomous Snake On Palisades Bike Path After Getting Too Close He meant to save the snake — instead, it nearly cost him his hand. Dan Geiger was cycling on the path along the Palisades cliffs that stretches from Fort Lee into Englewood Cliffs and Alpine, when he spotted a small snake on the path near the cliffs. Geiger, a writer from New York City, didn’t want it to get crushed by a bike or car. When the snake wouldn’t move after he nudged it with a water bottle, he reached out with his hand — and that’s when the snake struck him with "precision and speed," he said in an interview with Fox News. “I knew something was wrong immediately,” Dan said. Ble…
We’ve Got To Ditch Single-Use Plastics We’ve Got To Ditch Single-Use Plastics
We’ve Got To Ditch Single-Use Plastics We’ve got to ditch single-use plastics. We have adopted a disposable lifestyle in which around 50% of plastic is used once and then thrown away. Today, single-use plastics present some of the biggest environmental hazards because plastic can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. (A plastic water bottle takes 450 years.) And when plastic breaks down into microplastics, tiny 5mm particles, the dangers increase exponentially. When you discard plastics, they remain in landfills for decades. Contrary to popular belief, only 6% of plastic (actually) gets recycled. As plastics biodegrade, they can…
Vandals Break Into Virginia Zoo, Trash Exhibits, Terrify Animals With Joyride (VIDEO) Vandals Break Into Virginia Zoo, Trash Exhibits, Terrify Animals With Joyride (VIDEO)
Vandals Break Into Virginia Zoo, Trash Exhibits, Terrify Animals With Joyride (Video) A pack of late-night vandals broke into a Northern Virginia zoo, damaged animal enclosures, and took work vehicles for a joyride — all while terrifying the animals, officials said. The chaos unfolded overnight on Tuesday, April 15, at the NOVA Wild Zoo, a popular family destination in Fairfax County. According to zoo management, several people forced their way into the park, caused damage to multiple exhibits, and even got into the capybara enclosure. The intruders then took work vehicles and rode recklessly through the property. Staff returned to find the aftermath — broken fencing, trash…
Osprey Nest Gets Safer Home Atop Bear Mountain Bridge Thanks To Creative Maintenance Crew Osprey Nest Gets Safer Home Atop Bear Mountain Bridge Thanks To Creative Maintenance Crew
Osprey Nest Gets Safer Home Atop Bear Mountain Bridge Thanks To Creative Maintenance Crew A group of determined birds has finally gotten a safe place to nest—thanks to the Bear Mountain Bridge maintenance crew, who built a custom osprey nest platform to prevent debris from falling onto the roadway below.  The New York State Bridge Authority gave a shout-out on Thursday, March 27, to its Bear Mountain Bridge Maintenance Crew for their creative and eco-friendly solution to a growing issue involving osprey nesting atop the bridge tower.  According to officials, in recent years, the large birds have persistently tried to build nests at the top of the bridge, which spans fr…
Best Family Activity In Bergen County In 2024: Bergen County Zoo Best Family Activity In Bergen County In 2024: Bergen County Zoo
Best Family Activity In Bergen County In 2024: Bergen County Zoo We are thrilled to announce that the Bergen County Zoo has been named Best Family Activity in Bergen County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! The Bergen County Zoo, open year-round, provides visitors of all ages with a chance to connect with nature while learning about the importance of preserving wildlife, according to its website. As part of its mission, the zoo focuses on wildlife education and conservation. Through partnerships and programs, it encourages visitors to learn about animals and their habitats while fostering a sense of stewardship for the environment, per its …
Dolphin Euthanized After Being Found In Monmouth Creek Dolphin Euthanized After Being Found In Monmouth Creek
Dolphin Euthanized After Being Found In Monmouth Creek A dolphin had to be euthanized after it was found stranded in a creek in Monmouth Beach on Tuesday, March 4. A common dolphin was stranded  bayside creek near Meadow Ave. in Monmouth Beach, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said. The male dolphin was lying unsupported on the thick mud of the nearly dry creek bed. Monmouth Beach police, the Monmouth Beach Department of Public Works and local residents kept the dolphin comfortable by spraying him with water, the MMSC said.  The team worked together in a coordinated effort to secure the dolphin in a stretcher. Using a…
Injured, Potentially Pregnant Fox Being Sought In Gloucester County: Cops Injured, Potentially Pregnant Fox Being Sought In Gloucester County: Cops
Injured, Potentially Pregnant Fox Being Sought In Gloucester County: Cops Bingo the fox is at large and police in Gloucester County are trying to find her. The injured fox has been seen around the Washington Township Police Station and senior center, Washington Township police said. She has a piece of flexible plastic vent stuck around her neck, with one leg trapped in it, and she is also suffering from mange, police said. Police believe she may be pregnant. Police and Mangy Fox Rescue are hoping to safely capture Bingo so she can receive the treatment she needs. The public is aske to not feed Bingo and if they see her, text her location to 609-491-3511…
Seal Pup Dies Weeks After New Haven Street Rescue: 'Chappy Was Surrounded By Love' Seal Pup Dies Weeks After New Haven Street Rescue: 'Chappy Was Surrounded By Love'
Seal Pup Dies Weeks After New Haven Street Rescue: 'Chappy Was Surrounded By Love' A seal pup found wandering on a New Haven street has died, unable to recover from illness and malnutrition. The gray seal nicknamed "Chappy" has died, Mystic Aquarium said in an Instagram post on Monday, Mar. 3. The male pup was brought to the aquarium's Animal Rescue Clinic on Sunday, Feb. 16 after New Haven police found him stranded near the intersection of Chapel and East streets. At first, Chappy responded well to treatments for dehydration, malnutrition, and mild pneumonia, but he struggled with digestion after transitioning to eating whole fish. "The Mystic Aquarium st…
Beaver Blinded After Shot 14 Times Rescued From Susquehanna River Beaver Blinded After Shot 14 Times Rescued From Susquehanna River
Beaver Blinded After Shot 14 Times Rescued From Susquehanna River A severely injured beaver found weak, blind, and clinging to life in the Susquehanna River has captured the heart of the community, raising more than $5,000 in just 48 hours for his medical care, wildlife officials announced on Monday, Feb. 24. Rescued near Marietta, Lancaster County, on Jan. 24, the beaver was so frail that rescuers barely had to restrain him. But when veterinarians at Companion Animal Hospital examined him, they discovered the horrifying reason why—he had been shot 14 times in the face. BB-sized pellets were lodged in his skull and sinuses, shattering his left eye and lea…
A Nye-ce Surprise: Fairfield Teacher Competes To Bring Science Legend To His Classroom A Nye-ce Surprise: Fairfield Teacher Competes To Bring Science Legend To His Classroom
A Nye-ce Surprise: Fairfield Teacher Competes To Bring Science Legend To His Classroom A Connecticut teacher with a passion for science hopes to land his class a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a virtual lesson from legendary science educator Bill Nye, "The Science Guy." Josh Bartosiewicz, 31, a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at the Unquowa School in Fairfield, is competing in the "America’s Favorite Teacher" award, a contest that benefits the Planetary Society. Voting is now open and runs until March 6. If he wins, Bartosiewicz will receive a $25,000 cash prize, a trip to Hawaii, and the chance to have Nye—a childhood hero—teach a live, virtual class for his students. …
Right Whale, Calf Spotted In New York, New Jersey Shipping Lanes Right Whale, Calf Spotted In New York, New Jersey Shipping Lanes
Right Whale, Calf Spotted In New York, New Jersey Shipping Lanes A rare and unexpected sighting of a North Atlantic right whale and her newborn calf was made off the coast of New York and New Jersey, raising both excitement and concern among marine experts, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced. The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center aerial survey team spotted right whale #4150, known as “Accordion,” with her first known calf on Feb. 3 near the shipping lanes at the entrance to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Named for propeller scars on her back that resemble the musical instrument, Accordion …
Bird Flu Confirmed In Dead Geese At Thornwood Park, Town Extends Closure (UPDATE) Bird Flu Confirmed In Dead Geese At Thornwood Park, Town Extends Closure (UPDATE)
Bird Flu Confirmed In Dead Geese At Thornwood Park, Town Extends Closure (Update) Health officials in Westchester County have confirmed that a dozen Canada geese found dead at a local park tested positive for avian flu, prompting town leaders to keep the area closed indefinitely.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) confirmed that two separate strains of avian influenza were detected in the geese found at Carroll Park in Thornwood on Sunday, Feb. 2, Town of Mount Pleasant officials announced on Friday, Feb. 7.  "The positive results are not surprising considering the presence of the disease being seen in various bird species acr…
Meet Cosmos! 'Opossum Ambassador' Gets Its Name At Wildlife Center Of Virginia Meet Cosmos! 'Opossum Ambassador' Gets Its Name At Wildlife Center Of Virginia
Meet Cosmos! 'Opossum Ambassador' Gets Its Name At Wildlife Center Of Virginia A Virginia opossum with a big personality and an even bigger fan base finally has a name—Cosmos! After receiving more than 10,000 votes, the Wildlife Center of Virginia announced that the winning name for its newest education ambassador is Cosmos, beating out finalists Powhatan and Mars. The name is a perfect fit for the nocturnal marsupial, inspired by the vast, starry sky he loves to explore at night, officials mused. It also holds a special connection to Marigold, a former ambassador opossum, as the Cosmos flower is a cousin of the Marigold. "With this name, Cosmos will carry on Marigol…
Red Fox Harassed By Lebanon County Snowmobilers Leads To Charges: DA Red Fox Harassed By Lebanon County Snowmobilers Leads To Charges: DA
Red Fox Harassed By Lebanon County Snowmobilers Leads To Charges: DA A man and a juvenile have been charged with harassing a red fox and attempting to run it over with snowmobiles in Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced on Friday, Jan. 31. Jeffrey S. Horst, 20, of Lebanon County, and a juvenile accomplice are accused of chasing the fox through a snow-covered field near State Route 501 and Locust Street on Jan. 20, according to court documents filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony Verna. The pair turned themselves the Lebanon County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Jan. 24, as Daily Voice previo…
Beardsley Zoo Confirms Avian Flu Case, Euthanizes Birds to Prevent Spread Beardsley Zoo Confirms Avian Flu Case, Euthanizes Birds to Prevent Spread
Beardsley Zoo Confirms Avian Flu Case, Euthanizes Birds to Prevent Spread A deadly strain of avian flu has been detected at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, forcing officials to euthanize birds and shut down exhibits in an effort to stop the spread. The virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, was confirmed in a deceased Cotton Patch goose found on zoo grounds. In response, the zoo has ramped up safety measures to protect animals, staff, and visitors, working with state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, officials said.  Related: Avian Flu Found In Connecticut Backyard Flock Ou…
Shocking Photos Show Thousands Of Dead Snow Geese Piled In PA Dumpster Amid Avian Flu Crisis Shocking Photos Show Thousands Of Dead Snow Geese Piled In PA Dumpster Amid Avian Flu Crisis
Shocking Photos Show Thousands Of Dead Snow Geese Piled In PA Dumpster Amid Avian Flu Crisis Shocking images show a dumpster filled with thousands of dead snow geese, as the Pennsylvania Game Commission races to contain a devastating avian influenza (AI) outbreak across southeastern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission released the photos on Wednesday, Jan. 24, highlighting the grim reality of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) resurgence among wild birds. Snow geese have been particularly hard-hit by the disease. Partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medic…
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1.  The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6.  Earlier Report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or …
'People's Choice:' Baby Hippo That Took Social Media By Storm In VA Gets Name After Heated Vote 'People's Choice:' Baby Hippo That Took Social Media By Storm In VA Gets Name After Heated Vote
'People's Choice:' Baby Hippo That Took Social Media By Storm In VA Gets Name After Heated Vote What's in a name?  After a spirited global contest, the people have spoken: Richmond Metro Zoo’s baby pygmy hippo now has a fitting moniker. Poppy. The newborn entered the world on Monday, Dec. 9, and has quickly captivated local residents and animal lovers alike, taking off on social media after being transferred to the zoo family on Christmas Eve. Hippo hooray and Merry Christmas Eve! We’re thrilled to welcome a precious baby pygmy hippo to the zoo family - just in... Posted by Metro Richmond Zoo on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 More than 116,000 votes from 165 countries narr…
Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In Long Beach Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In Long Beach
Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In Long Beach Authorities are investigating after a deceased whale washed ashore on Long Island. The juvenile humpback whale was discovered in Long Beach, near Shore Road and Roosevelt Boulevard, early Monday morning, Dec. 30, Long Beach Police said. Local, state, and federal agencies responded to the scene, which remained cordoned off to the public Thursday afternoon. A necropsy was expected to be performed, after which the whale will be buried, police said. “Please avoid the area to allow the various agencies to conduct their work,” the agency said. Juvenile humpback whales can measure up to 16 fee…
Duo Shoot, Kill Deer In Front Yard, Drive Away With Corpse In Lexington: Officials Duo Shoot, Kill Deer In Front Yard, Drive Away With Corpse In Lexington: Officials
Duo Shoot, Kill Deer In Front Yard, Drive Away With Corpse In Lexington: Officials Following a year-long investigation, two hunters were fined after illegally shooting a deer in the front yard of a Greene County residence, officials announced.  The two suspects, both residents of New Jersey, were apprehended on Saturday, Nov. 16 in connection with an incident that happened in November 2023, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced earlier in December.  According to NYSDEC officials, on the day of the incident, Environmental Conservation Officers Palmateer and Smith responded to a Lexington residence after a homeowner captur…
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 …
'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Animals Died From Neglect At Holtsville Preserve 'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Animals Died From Neglect At Holtsville Preserve
'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Animals Died From Neglect At Holtsville Preserve A formal investigation is underway into alleged animal neglect at a Long Island wildlife preserve following allegations by former employees. The Town of Brookhaven on Monday, Dec. 23, requested that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office conduct an independent investigation into alleged neglect at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve. It followed claims by at least eight former employees that animals at the facility endured years of mistreatment. The Holtsville site is operated by the Town of Brookhaven under its Highway Department, which has faced criticism for its mana…
Wolf-Dog Captured In Bucks Using Soccer Net Taken To NJ Sanctuary Wolf-Dog Captured In Bucks Using Soccer Net Taken To NJ Sanctuary
Wolf-Dog Captured In Bucks Using Soccer Net Taken To NJ Sanctuary A wolf-dog roaming in Pennsylvania was captured after a coordinated effort involving local authorities and animal recovery experts on Thanksgiving morning and taken to New Jersey. A high-content wolf-dog (estimated to be 80-90% wolf), caused a stir in Lower Bucks County as it wandered through Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, around Thanksgiving. Named “Bristol” after the location where it was found, the hybrid animal—a cross between a domestic dog and a gray wolf—was safely captured and transported to a New Jersey wolfdog sanctuary. The borough’s animal control officer and the Pennsylvania Ga…
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…