Latest news with #NYSDEC
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Greece police investigate unconfirmed mountain lion sighting
The Greece Police Department is investigating unverified reports of a possible mountain lion sighting near Northbridge Drive, close to North Avenue and Larkin Creek. Officers have conducted a neighborhood canvass but have not found any video footage or physical evidence—such as tracks or fur—to confirm the animal's presence. The department is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to monitor the situation. Residents are urged to exercise caution if they encounter any wild animal: keep a safe distance, back away slowly, and avoid approaching or feeding it. Report any sightings immediately to law enforcement or the DEC. Those with photos, video, or specific information should contact: 911 (for immediate concerns) DEC Region 8 Wildlife Office: (585) 226-5380 or r8wildlife@ After hours: DEC ECO dispatch at 844-332-3267 This investigation comes just weeks after a viral video reportedly captured a large cat walking through a yard in Rochester's East Main and Culver neighborhood around 4 a.m. on July 9. The DEC responded but found no tracks or evidence to confirm whether the animal was a cougar (also known as a mountain lion). Officials say if it is a cougar, it's likely a former captive animal, not a wild one. The DEC notes there is no known wild population of mountain lions in New York State. For more information on how to identify a cougar and what to do if you think you've seen one, visit This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Greece NY police investigate unconfirmed mountain lion sighting Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Record trout the latest lunker record set in NNY
Jul. 26—The north country has caught a case of fish-record-breaking fever, as another angler has recorded a top catch in local waters in the past 12 months. Last week, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced a new state record brook trout was reeled in by Benjamin L. Ferguson, a dedicated brook trout angler from Lowville. He caught a 22-inch, 6-pound, 3-ounce "brookie" at the St. Regis Canoe Area on July 5, edging out the 2013 state record by 3 ounces. The fish was caught while slow trolling a Lake Clear Wabbler — a classic spoon-type lure that has a long tradition in the Adirondacks. The Lake Clear Wabbler, according to the company, was introduced in 1920. explains: "The original Wabbler was cut out of a headlight bezel with a pair of tin snips by H. Robare, a French Canadian fishing guide at Clear Lake in the Adirondacks. He was looking to improve his odds, and that, he did. News of his success soon got around and Mr. Robare started making more of these lures and christened them, 'The Lake Clear Wabbler.'" "This new state record brook trout is particularly special given our commitment to advancing the conservation of this iconic species," DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a news release. "Benjamin's record-setting catch further highlights this unique resource, which only the Adirondacks can provide." Ferguson submitted details of his winning catch as part of DEC's newly revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state record fish and recognizes anglers that catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths established for that species. Anglers with qualifying catches receive official recognition, along with a species-specific sticker commemorating their achievement. The program's three categories: Angler Award; Youth Angler Award and State Record. Northern New York waters have caught on to the program. On May 3, Dylan Kampnich of Dexter caught the first record-setting fish of the year in the state when he caught a 37-pound 9-ounce channel catfish from Black River Bay in Jefferson County. Kampnich's record-breaking catch surpassed the previous state record catfish caught in 2022, also from the Black River, by 13 ounces. On May 13, Alex Pidhorodeckyj, an investment adviser who lives in Peekskill, Westchester County, caught a record fallfish while angling with a buddy and a guide on the St. Lawrence River near Massena. Pidhorodeckyj's fallfish, 20 1/4 -inches in length, weighed in at 4 pounds, 1 ounce. The previous state record for one was 3 pounds, 9 ounces, set in 2009. In August, Charles "Chuck" W. Zimmerman of Hilton, Monroe County, caught the first state record fish of 2024 with a 53-inch, 15-pound, 14-ounce longnose gar he caught on Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County. His catch surpassed the previous state record of the species, caught in Lake Champlain in 2018, by 1 pound, 4 ounces. Gar, which have been described as "living dinosaur," have lived in North American waters for 50 million years. As part of the Angler Achievement Awards Program revamp, anglers are now able to submit entries for qualifying catches from the convenience of a smart phone through an online entry form. For official program rules, eligible species, and associated minimum qualifying lengths, visit the Angler Achievement Awards webpage at Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat wave: Air quality alert issued June 24 for Lower Hudson Valley, NYC metro area
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Weather Service has announced an air quality advisory Tuesday, June 24 for Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties; along with New York City and Long Island as the state's first major heat wave of the year is causing poor breathing conditions for residents. The advisory went into effect at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 and will last until 11 p.m., the NWS said. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said ground level ozone pollutants in the air due to the heat could exceed safe air quality index levels over 100. Related: Gov. Kathy Hochul extends New York weather state of emergency through July. Here's why As of 2:30 p.m., measured the Lower Hudson Valley's Air Quality Index as "Moderate," with an AQI score of 63 and an Ozone level of 58, making the air potentially for sensitive groups. Weather Second day of extreme heat in NY: Heat index up to 107 in Lower Hudson Valley June 24 "When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects," the NWS said. "People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician." NYSDEC said those at risk should stay inside and limit physical activity. According to the NWS, a toll-free air quality hotline has been established for New Yorkers. Stay informed on air quality by calling 1-800-535-1345. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Lower Hudson Valley, NYC, Long Island NY air quality alert issued
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Trail cam in New York captures two bear cubs copying classic children's playground game in adorable scene
New trail camera footage from upstate New York shows two black bear cubs caught on video playing what looks suspiciously like a classic childhood game - tag. The adorable scene, recorded in a wooded area, shows one cub chasing the other through the trees before they tumble into a playful wrestling match. But while the behavior may seem like innocent fun, wildlife experts say it's actually a vital part of the young bears' development. In a Facebook post, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) revealed there's more to all that rough-and-tumble than meets the eye, saying the cubs' woodland wrestling matches 'provide many benefits to a young bear's development'. According to the agency, all that climbing and sprinting helps cubs learn how to dodge danger and stay one step ahead of predators. Wrestling serves as basic training for fighting off threats and capturing prey. Endless romping strengthens their lungs and hearts so they're ready to roam long distances in search of food, a mate, or a den to hunker down in for winter. Even memory, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills get a boost from all the action. They may grow into hulking, 300-pound adults, but in their early months, black bear cubs spend less time lounging and more time getting wild in the woods. Cubs usually stay with their mothers for up to 17 months before venturing out on their own. The NYSDEC also included a reminder for the public: 'Although black bear cubs can be playful, it's important to remember to Be BearWise and never feed or approach bears. 'Adult female bears will defend their cubs from any perceived threat, including people who get too close. Enjoy and observe bears from a distance.' The camera that caught the clip is one of many placed across New York to monitor the state's growing black bear population, which has become increasingly visible in both rural and suburban areas. This sighting comes after an enormous grizzly bear has been captured on camera prowling through the snow near a tourist hotspot in Montana - marking the year's first sighting as the predators emerge from hibernation. The eerie footage, recorded in March evening near the town of West Yellowstone, shows the apex predator plodding through a snowstorm, moving slowly as it approaches the camera set up on the ground.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
DEC Issues Air Quality Alert for Western New York
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Western New York Wednesday through 11 p.m. While there has been a slight haze of wildfire smoke, this concern, according to the DEC, is because of ozone particles. That is more because of pollution from industrial processes and emissions from transportation. While these pollutants do act as a greenhouse gas to warm the atmosphere and lead to climate change, they are also harmful to breath in when at higher concentrations. Monroe County is in the Moderate category while Western New York is in the 'Unhealthy for sensitive groups' category. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
