Watch CBS News

4 L.I. Men Face Fines After Allegedly Capturing Deer, Posting Photos Online

CALVERTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Four Long Island men are accused of capturing two young deer and posting pictures of the animals on Instagram.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says investigators learned of the images late last month.

The DEC says at least one of the fawns was chased with a vehicle and captured alongside a fence. Photos show one of the suspects holding a "stressed'' yearling.

4 L.I. Men Face Fines After Allegedly Capturing Deer, Posting Photos Online

"They claimed that one deer had been caught in a fence. When they saw another young deer, they captured the other young deer," Capt. Timothy Huss told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.

It is illegal to capture wildlife in New York State unless it is hunting season and without a license.

DEC Regional Director Peter A. Scully says such actions can hurt the wild animal, and the people.

The DEC says it received two images from an anonymous tipster.

Investigators later tracked the men - who are between 18 and 20 years old - to a business in Calverton.

They were ticketed for environmental violations. They're due in Riverhead town court on Nov. 27.

If convicted, they could face fines of up to $1,700.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.