Environmental Conservation Officer Finds “Mixed Bag” of Fish and Wildlife While on Patrol

[george]

On August 2nd, Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Jeannette Bastedo was on foot patrol at Berean Park in the town of Lloyd (Ulster County) when she saw a man and woman fishing. As she approached the couple, she noticed movement in their grocery bag. ECO Bastedo thought she would find a live fish flopping around in the bag, but instead she discovered a live painted turtle; a protected species. The couple claimed they captured the turtle as a pet for their son. Inside the bag, an undersized largemouth bass was mixed in with several legal sunfish. Neither individual could produce a valid freshwater fishing license. ECO Bastedo issued tickets to the pair for illegal possession of protected wildlife, taking undersized fish, and for fishing without a freshwater fishing license, all returnable to the Town of Lloyd Court. Once the turtle was free from the bag, it quickly returned to the water and swam off.
Turtles, snakes, lizards, or salamanders native to New York may not be harvested, taken, or possessed without a permit.

 

[Roccus7]

Painted turtles protected??? They’re a dime a dozen!!

 

[george]

If they weren't protected there would be few left in the NY Metro area. Upstate would still be fine. I had to stop a few people from trying to kill a local monster snapping turtle once. They claimed they are great table fare.