New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) made several wildlife rescues recently, including seven mallard ducklings from a storm drain and a juvenile bald eagle which had fallen from its nest. The also charged a Jefferson County man with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal possession of a weapon. What follows are the reports provided by the Department.
Storm Drain Ducklings – Richmond County
On May 15, 2025, ECO Barrett responded to a report of ducklings stuck in a storm drain in Staten Island. Officer Barrett arrived at the location, observed seven mallard ducklings in the storm drain, and managed to remove the gate with the help of some concerned citizens before retrieving all the duckling and returning them to their mother.
You can watch video of the ducklings stuck in the storm drain here.
Bald Eagle Rescue – Dutchess County
On May 21, 2025, ECO Zullo responded to a call from the town of Pawling Department of Public Works regarding a bald eagle’s nest that fell from a large tree with a juvenile bald eagle chick laying in it. Officer Zullo arrived at the location and observed the eagle in the broken nest.
The bird was able to move around, but unable to fly, increasing its risk of becoming eaten by predators on the ground. ECO Zullo safely secured and transported the juvenile eagle to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Hunter for further care after establishing there were no other juvenile birds in the area.
The bird is still receiving care at the rehabilitation center.
Animal Cruelty Follow Up – Jefferson County
On June 4, a Jefferson County subject charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (Class A Misdemeanor) pleaded guilty to both charges in Jefferson County Court.
On February 14, 2025, ECOs arrested Nathan Ralston, 38, of Henderson after responding to reports of a deceased dog on the side of a road in the village of Ellisburg.
Ralston shot and killed the dog near the intersection of Skinner Road and State Route 3 after the animal jumped into the driver’s lap, causing a vehicle crash.
The subject then left the carcass behind. As part of the plea, Ralston was ordered to forfeit all weapons confiscated during the investigation.
Ralston faces six months of local incarceration followed by five years of felony probation when he is sentenced in August.
Read more about wildlife rescues.
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