DEC

You ever have a moment where you got trapped somewhere were you weren't supposed to be stuck?

This white caterpillar can cause rashes and hives in humans, just from a touch, and they've been found in the Utica-Rome area.

Remember pre-COVID, when our biggest debate was the plastic bag ban? Well, it's finally going to be enforced, starting in October in Utica and Rome.

Um, here kitty, kitty? Maybe not, judging by the size of the cat spotted by a trail camera near Richfield Springs last week, just 30 minutes from Utica.

A black bear was spotted earlier this week in Herkimer, we have video of a huge bear at a house in Remsen, and there's a Bear Advisory in effect for some Adirondack campgrounds due to a mother bear and her two cubs.

It's snake season in Central New York. Is your lawn crawling with them?

The DEC is warning New Yorkers of a widespread, invasive plant whose sap causes blistering and painful burns. Have you spotted it in Utica?

What kind of caterpillars did this? Hard to believe a healthy tree can survive infestation, but according to the Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC), they can.

Black bears aren't uncommon in Central New York, but you don't often hear of them in suburban areas. Is one hanging around in New Hartford?

A plant dubbed the 'horror plant' by the DEC because it causes severe burns, and even blindness, is appearing in Central New York, and has been spotted near Utica and Rome. Giant Hogweed is here.

Hikers are advised to avoid high-elevation trails, especially in the high peaks.

Although Governor Cuomo allowed campgrounds across New York State to open Monday, the DEC has other ideas.