New York State Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) recently made several wildlife rescues, including a snake from a house in Delaware County, a disoriented Peregrine falcon at Kensico Reservoir in Westchester County, and a Cormorant in a small backyard pool on Long Island.
Snake in the House – Delaware County
On May 24, ECO Osborne responded to reports of a snake inside a residence in the town of Kortright, Delaware County. Officer Osborne, a member of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement Wildlife Response Team, arrived at the home and observed a three-foot-long milk snake in the living room. The Officer safely removed and relocated it back into the wild away from the residence.
The eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum), a non-venomous snake native to the northeast, is often mistaken for a rattlesnake due to the light and dark blotches on its skin and rapid shake of its tail when approached by a potential predator.
Peregrine Falcon Rescue – Westchester County
On June 17, ECO Franz responded to a report of an injured bird on the shore of the Kensico Reservoir in the town of Harrison. Officer Franz located the Peregrine falcon on a rock just off the shoreline, apparently unable to fly or flee.
ECO Franz did not observe any noticeable injuries but safely transported the bird to a local wildlife rehabilitator for an assessment out of an abundance of caution. The falcon, initially lethargic, recovered quickly once with the rehabilitator and was released back to the wild after a brief stay.
The scientific name for a peregrine falcon is Falco peregrinus, which means “wandering falcon,” derived from the bird’s migration patterns where they may travel great distances, as much as 15,500 miles. They are also the fastest animal on earth, reaching speeds of more than 200 miles per hour in a hunting dive called a stoop in pursuit of other birds, their preferred prey.
Cormorant in the Pool – Suffolk County
On June 23, ECO Francis responded to a report of an injured and distressed cormorant in the town of Babylon. The seabird was reportedly in a resident’s small swimming pool for approximately three days without anyone seeing it eat or attempt to leave. Officer Francis safely captured the bird and transported it to a local wildlife rehabilitator for an evaluation and treatment.
DEC checked in with the rehabilitator and learned that the cormorant was released approximately four days later at the Venetian Shores Park boat launch in Babylon. The rehabilitator stated the bird was uninjured, had simply landed in the small backyard pool mistakenly, and was good to go after a few meals.
Photo: ECO Franz locating the Peregrine falcon at Kensico Reservoir (provided by DEC).
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