Westchester Town Orders Park Closed After 12 Dead Canada Geese Found

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, NY — Town of Mount Pleasant officials are cautioning residents after 12 Canada geese were found dead at a pond in a local park.

Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi and Police Chief Paul Oliva strongly advised residents to keep away from any dead geese that may be found at other locations in the community.

The dead birds were found Sunday at Carroll Park on Rollings Hill Road in Thornwood, according to the officials.

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Fulgenzi said that they were removed by a professional wildlife expert and taken by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) for testing. Out of an abundance of caution, Carroll Park has been closed until it can be determined that there is no health threat posed to visitors. A laser device is being used to chase off any other geese that try to land at the pond.

Fulgenzi said that dead Canada geese have been found at other locations in Westchester and that the town has notified the County Department of Health of this case.

"Unfortunately, there are a growing number of Avian Flu cases across the state and beyond," Fulgenzi said. "All of us need to be aware of the potential health risks posed to humans and be sure to report but not go near a dead bird as the chances are high that it will be infected."

Anyone who finds a dead goose in a public park or other town-owned property is being asked to contact the police department at 914-769-1941. Police will arrange to have a wildlife professional remove it. Dead birds found on private property in the town should be reported to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

The officials recommended resources to help lessen risks associated with the growing outbreak.

• Westchester County’s Department of Health webpage, Avian Influenza
• Department of Environmental Conservation’s webpage, Avian Influenza - Winter 2025
• DEC Press Release

An outbreak of avian influenza began in the U.S. in early 2024 and has mostly affected wild birds, farmed birds, and dairy cows. Contact with an infected bird puts people at risk of exposure. Those at the highest risk are workers on dairy/poultry farms and in culling operations.