A park in Westchester County was shut down after 12 useless Canada geese have been discovered within the pond, with officers nervous it may have been a results of chicken flu.
The gate to Caroll Park in Mount Nice was locked Wednesday evening, together with an indication posted telling individuals to remain away. It got here days after the birds have been discovered useless on the ice and within the water of the partially frozen pond, a startling website when the police chief noticed it over the weekend.
“I was able to observe it was about a dozen dead Canadian geese on the ice and in the water,” stated Mount Nice Police Chief Paul Oliva. “I’m thinking this is definitely uncommon and we should be cautious how we handle this.”
The state’s Division of Environmental Conservation is testing the birds to find out what occurred to them, however there’s deep concern amongst officers. Mount Nice City Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi stated it had not but been confirmed whether or not the geese did the truth is have chicken fly, they usually have been awaiting the outcomes.
Avian flu is on the rise across the nation, principally impacting animals. However 66 people contracted within the virus within the U.S. in 2024 and one particular person died, in response to the New York State Division of Well being. Out of an abundance of warning, officers in Mount Nice have been sending warnings to the general public to avoid useless birds.
“There’s always a possibility of picking up something. It could be on your shoe, whatever. Especially a dog, I would be concerned of a dog picking up something because of feces from the geese,” stated Fulgenzi.
Officers stated the geese have been discovered within the pond solely and never in different elements of the park, like the kids’s playground. However geese may nonetheless be seen contained in the park Wednesday. A laser machine shall be set as much as deter geese from coming to the pond, in response to officers.
It was not instantly clear how lengthy the park would stay closed. It might depend upon the check outcomes and the way intensive the cleanup course of would have to be.
