From rescuing an abandoned alligator on Long Island to busting anglers with buckets of undersized fish, New York’s Environmental Conservation Police have had a packed summer.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says officers handled more than 18,000 complaints in just the first half of 2025—ranging from illegal dumping and hazardous waste to wildlife rescues and boating emergencies.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton praised the officers for their role in keeping the state’s air, water, and wildlife safe. “As we tackle environmental threats on all fronts, I applaud the critical work DEC’s ECOs and Investigators are undertaking,” she said.
Some highlights from recent patrols:
- Oily duck rescue in Suffolk County: A family of mallards covered in what appeared to be petroleum was saved by ECO DeRose and treated at Sweetbriar Nature Center. The source of the spill is still under investigation.
- Abandoned alligator in Nassau County: ECOs captured a juvenile gator dumped in a pond in Freeport. The animal is now in rehabilitation while officials investigate who released it.
- Disabled boat saved off Peconic Bay: Officers helped a sinking boat near Southampton. The solo captain was safely rescued, and the vessel was towed to shallow water.
- Fishing violations statewide: From undersized porgies to illegal cast nets, ECOs issued dozens of tickets across Nassau, Suffolk, and Sullivan counties. One angler was caught with 114 undersized blue claw crabs.
- Hazardous waste checks in Otsego County: Officers found 15 violations at four auto repair shops, including improper tank storage and unreported spills.
- Rattlesnake relocation in Ulster County: An ECO safely moved a venomous timber rattlesnake away from a home after it was found on a porch—mid-meal.
The DEC says its officers responded to over 45,000 calls last year alone, with more than 15,000 tickets or arrests. They continue to play a key role in protecting the state’s environment and wildlife.
To report an environmental issue or violation, call 1-844-DEC-ECOS.
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