DEC Willing To 'Explore Potential Solutions' For Future Scenarios Involving Trapped Raptors On LI: Official

STONY BROOK, NY — In light of community concerns about more raptors becoming trapped in the netting at Topgolf in Holtsville, state Department of Environmental Conservation officials say they are willing to explore any potential solutions should the facility's management wish to discuss methods to avoid similar scenarios in the future.

On Aug. 25, at around 10:30 a.m., a DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officer responded to Topgolf, where an osprey scaled the fence from ground level to the top. After 30 minutes sitting at the top of the fence, it flew away out of sight, with no signs of injury.

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The week prior to the trapped osprey, a hawk also became trapped 100 feet up in the netting at Topgolf's facility on Aug. 19, but then later was able to free itself and fly away.

A DEC spokeswoman said the agency "remains committed to protecting wildlife throughout Long Island and the greater New York State," and noted that "Topgolf and other similar types of facilities exist throughout the region."

"DEC has not received complaints related to hawks, osprey, and other protected wildlife being caught in golfing nets outside of the two incidents that recently occurred at the Holtsville facility," she said.

The spokeswoman told Patch that in New York, ospreys are considered "a species of special concern," which "warrant attention and consideration, but are not designated as endangered or threatened."

"As such, under state Environmental Conservation Law, ospreys are afforded the same level of protection as other birds like songbirds and birds of prey," she said in a statement.

"DEC has not been contacted by Topgolf related to the bird events following the Osprey event; however, we remain open to exploring potential solutions to avoid similar incidents in the future," she said.

Patch has reached out to Topgolf for comment.

In a previous statement, the company said it was working closely with the DEC.

The company also said that it is "committed not only to the safety of our guests and team members, but also to the safety of local wildlife."

When staffers saw the osprey on the netting, moving between different heights, gameplay was suspended, and then the venue closed.

Staffers worked closely with local police, fire, and the DEC throughout the situation, according to the facility's management.

"We appreciate the community's concern and thank all the local authorities and wildlife experts who assisted," the facility said.

Wildlife rescuer Frankie Floridia, who is from Strong Island Animal Rescue League, said both birds were too high up in the netting for his group or emergency responders to access. To avoid future scenarios, he suggested that the facility's management purchase a lift that can be used to access the birds or contract without an outside company to do the work.

In light of the recent encounters, the state reiterated its current guidance, which advises residents who find a wild animal in need of help to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, who is a trained, DEC-licensed volunteer that is legally permitted to receive and treat distressed wildlife.

"They have the experience, expertise, and facilities to successfully treat and release wild animals," the statement concluded.

Local Wildlife Rehabilitators can be found on the DEC's website, or by calling the nearest DEC Regional Wildlife Office.