APD: Somebody is killing geese at Buckingham Pond
Updated Friday morning with comments from the APD spokesman.
So, this is weird... From a message from James Brooks in the Albany Police Department's Community Services Unit, distributed Thursday in an email from the Buckingham Lake Neighborhood Association:
APD has confirmed sightings of an unknown person killing geese that reside at Buckingham pond. Killing Canadian Geese is in violation of Federal Fish/Wildlife and NYS EcCon Law.
I ask that everyone keep a lookout to anyone who is in close proximity of these animals.
It is possible that the suspect is a white male dressed in a blue uniform operating a red newer model pick up with the lettering "DGS Wildlife" on the side.
If you see this suspect or vehicle at or about the park area notify the police immediately.
There are also flyers at the pond near the playground with similar info. That's one of them above.
APD spokesman Steven Smith said Thursday via text that the department got a complaint about someone removing a dead goose from the lake about two and half weeks ago. APD has been looking into it. He said there haven't been any other reported incidents since.
Smith said anyone who's seen anything suspicious is encouraged to contact Albany police.
As the APD note mentions, Canada geese are protected like other waterfowl, with designated hunting seasons. From the state Department of Environmental Conservation website: "It is illegal to hunt, kill, sell, purchase, or possess migratory birds or their parts (feathers, nests, eggs, etc.) except as permitted by regulations adopted by USFWS and DEC."
Of course, they've also become a major nuisance in some places, because of the poop they leave behind and their often, let's say, discourteous demeanor. DEC has a whole page detailing what can and can't be done to deal with nuisance geese. (If you just want to chase them away, that's allowed.)
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Comments
Why isn't the APD standing watch at night when this is happening?
... said Vanessa on May 18, 2017 at 5:14 PM | link
How horrible! Let these creatures live in peace.
... said Rosita Lisboa on May 19, 2017 at 7:34 AM | link
Vanessa, This is a terrible dilemma. Perhaps APD can increase some rides around the Pond, however, they also have many other neighborhoods to patrol for other crimes, such as break-ins, drivers speeding, inebriated drivers, assaults etc. So they cannot just automatically increase staff, due to staffing patterns already existing. Not as easy as it sounds. But you can always contact APD at the station located in Pine Hills and make a request and see how they respond. For non-emergency police issues please call: (518) 438-4000.
... said Diane on May 19, 2017 at 9:46 AM | link
Is it possible for the Buckingham Pond Conservancy, along with any other neighborhood group(s), to organize a watch with volunteers?
... said jo on May 19, 2017 at 10:53 AM | link
APD can't stand watch on every block of the city. Bad things are going to happen regardless. Maybe some members of the community who were trained observers to help keep their own neighborhoods safe rather than calling on the police for every little disturbance.
The best defense if a good offense of course.
... said karner_blu on May 19, 2017 at 1:20 PM | link
Have you guys ever heard of a camera? The ones that take video when motion is detected? Put one of those up and nab this perp ASAP! They use them to kill wildlife so use one to catch a guy who's killing wildlife.
... said Jeremy on May 20, 2017 at 3:21 PM | link