New York’s Environmental Conservation Police are showcasing the range of their work—from wildlife rescues to marine patrols and illegal fishing busts—as part of an ongoing mission to protect the state’s natural resources.
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement shared recent highlights, including an injured peregrine falcon rescue in Westchester County, a distressed cormorant saved from a backyard pool on Long Island, and several shellfish poaching citations in Suffolk County.
“Our ECOs and Investigators protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “As we tackle environmental threats on all fronts, I applaud their critical work.”
On May 24, ECO Osborne responded to a call in Kortright, Delaware County, where a three-foot-long milk snake was discovered inside a home. Osborne, part of the Wildlife Response Team, safely relocated the non-venomous snake to a natural habitat.
On June 17, ECO Franz found an injured peregrine falcon resting on a rock at Kensico Reservoir. Though no visible injuries were noted, the bird was lethargic. Franz transported it to a wildlife rehabilitator, where it recovered and was released.
Just days later, ECO Francis rescued a cormorant trapped in a Babylon swimming pool for three days. The bird was rehabilitated and released after regaining strength.
ECOs also responded to illegal shellfish harvesting in Centerport Harbor on June 24. Officers Day and Franz cited three individuals collecting clams and crabs in closed waters. Nearly 400 hard clams were seized—some undersized and all harvested in violation of state law.
That same night, a marine patrol out of Eaton Neck inspected eight vessels and issued tickets for illegal fish catches, including striped bass, tautog, flounder, and scup. All fish were released back to the water, and two boats were found in violation of navigation laws.
ECOs also continued their public outreach. Officers in Nassau County took part in the “Get Outdoors and Get Together Day” at Hempstead Lake State Park and later attended a military and law enforcement job fair in Garden City to share information about the ECO profession.
The DEC reports more than 15,000 tickets and arrests were made in 2024 for environmental violations across the state. To report an environmental crime, call 1-844-DEC-ECOS.
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