On June 21, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) Smith responded to Amityville High School in the village of Amityville for reports of a hen mallard hatching nine ducklings in the school’s enclosed concrete courtyard.
Officer Smith arrived at the location and observed the courtyard had no natural water, food sources, or shelter for the ducklings. He also learned that school employees had been feeding the birds and leaving water out to keep them alive. ECO Smith carefully captured the ducklings and moved them to a grassy area next to the school while the mother kept a watchful eye. Before long, the family was reunited.
DEC reminds the public that it is never advisable to feed or handle wildlife. Simple human interactions can cause irreparable damage to wildlife, including permanent rejection of young by their parents. The public is advised to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator through the DEC website.
To contact an ECO to report an environmental crime or to report an incident, call 1-844-DEC-ECOS for 24-hour dispatch or email (for non-urgent violations).