Trapped Egret Saved At Barger Pond

PUTNAM VALLEY, NY — An intrepid state environmental conservation officer braved the mud in Barger Pond to rescue an injured egret.

On July 24, ECO Daniel Franz received a call about an injured bird at the pond.

When he arrived, he discovered the bird stuck in a muddy area near the shore. Bystanders advised him the bird had been trapped for several hours and appeared unresponsive.

Franz removed the egret from the mud and safely transported it to a local wildlife rehabilitator.

The good news, according to DEC officials: The bird was initially assessed to be underweight but had no immediately apparent or severe injuries.