DEC Warns Photographers Away From Great Horned Owl Nest

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — New York State conservation police are trying to protect a nesting great horned owl and her chicks in the Massapequa Preserve from wildlife paparazzi.

Environmental Conservation Officer Christopher DeRose received a call from a local wildlife rehabilitator April 7 reporting a group of photographers setting up close to the active nest of a great horned owl and her chicks, harassing the birds as they attempted to get photographs.

He went to see, and found a group of photographers on a bike trail near the nest. Some of them were pushing through the nearby brush toward the base of the tree to get closer to the owls.

The ECO advised the photographers of regulations prohibiting harassment of wildlife, as well as the importance of observing them at a safe distance.

The photographers complied, DEC officials said.

DeRose taped off a barrier surrounding the tree as a reminder.