Wildlife, Fish & Marine Life Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 02/26/2019 10:12 AM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
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Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter

DEC Announces Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Examinations

wildlife rehabilitatorExaminations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2019. You can find registration forms at the links above for each exam.

The exams will run from 10 a.m. to noon at most DEC Regional Offices across the state. You can find a list of DEC Regional Offices on the DEC website. The deadline for registering to take any of these free exams is Friday, March 22, 2019.

DEC Rescues Bear Cub in Ulster County

rescued bear cubOn February 3rd, Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Adam Johnson received a call from a concerned resident about a bear cub in a tree close to a local highway in Shandaken. DEC biologists had been attempting to capture a bear cub in that area. When ECO Johnson arrived, he saw the bear cub sitting in front of the trap entrance, contemplating if it wanted to follow the treats inside. Finally, the bear cub entered the trap, triggering the door release.

With the bear successfully trapped, ECO Johnson brought the cub to a wildlife rehabilitator qualified to care for young bears. The small bear was severely dehydrated and malnourished, weighing approximately 10 pounds. Bear cubs this time of year should be close to 50 pounds and hibernating in dens. This bear's survival is even more impressive considering that temperatures in the area were well below freezing for weeks prior to its capture.