Men Wanted For Vandalizing Nature Preserve, Giving Beer To Goat

SMITHTOWN, NY - A group of people are wanted for petty larceny, criminal mischief and forcing an animal to drink beer at the Sweetbriar Nature Preserve in Smithtown.

According to Smithtown Department of Public Safety Deputy Chief Kevin McPadden, back in February a trail camera at the preserve was stolen.

However, last week a volunteer discovered the camera, which was thrown into a lake, and retrieved the footage.

The video showed that on Feb. 21 four or five men ripped the camera from the tree and threw it in the lake after trespassing on the property. At one point they walked up to the camera, providing a clear image of their faces.

Image via Smithtown Department of Public Safety

In addition to the incident on Feb. 21, the group has been connected to several other incidents on the property including one where they were seen forcing a goat to drink beer and taking a video. The video was then posted on Instagram where it was shared to several local groups.

No arrests have been made yet.

Officials are now actively investigating the incident and are hopeful the images will lead to identity and arrests of the men, McPadden said.

They are described as white males in their late 20s, wearing grey hoodies.

Anyone having information regarding these subjects is asked to call the Department of Public Safety at 631-360-7553. All calls are kept confidential.